1
as in harsh
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a severe, uncompromising teacher who locked the classroom door precisely when the bell rang and let no one in afterward
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fierce
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
clergymen who dressed in severe clothing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in serious
not joking or playful in mood or manner
the judge maintained a severe expression throughout the trial
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4
as in tough
difficult to endure
a severe winter that was among the coldest on record
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5
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
a severe test of courage
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of severe
Roundabouts reduce the risk of severe accidents, improve traffic flow and are better for the environment compared to traditional intersections with stop signs or stoplights.
—
Liz Guthridge, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Deferring care saves money today, but risks severe long-term efficiency losses and sudden system failures down the road.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 11 June 2026
Five individuals have been hospitalized, and two have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that can lead to acute kidney failure.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Some researchers compare the quantum threat with Y2K, or the millennium bug, a computer flaw that programmers thought might cause severe systemic problems after December 31, 1999.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for severe
Liz Guthridge, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Deferring care saves money today, but risks severe long-term efficiency losses and sudden system failures down the road.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 11 June 2026
Five individuals have been hospitalized, and two have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that can lead to acute kidney failure.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Some researchers compare the quantum threat with Y2K, or the millennium bug, a computer flaw that programmers thought might cause severe systemic problems after December 31, 1999.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for severe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe
Adjective
-
Ikutiminu, who will attend UC Irvine in the fall, even spoke with musicians about how to create a sound that would be less harsh than the vuvuzela.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
-
Without toxic acids Tripathi’s breakthrough eliminates the harsh chemicals.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Publishers must also navigate changing consumer behavior, rising shipping costs and a fierce attention economy.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
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The backlash was so fierce, Anthropic quickly made adjustments to the policy, as Wired reported on Wednesday, highlighting just how carefully the company is treading.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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Officials warned that flying debris could pose a serious threat to anyone without shelter, with damage to roofs, windows and vehicles likely, along with significant tree damage.—
Francie Ebert,
NBC news,
11 June 2026
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For serious depression, anxiety, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, a delay in treatment matters a lot.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
With the when, where and who will play whom at the 2026 World Cup all locked in, how do the groups rank from the easiest to the toughest?—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
-
Opening a restaurant in downtown Boise is a tough racket.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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The verdict was delivered amid difficult personal circumstances for Mette-Marit, Hoiby’s mother, who needs a lung transplant for pulmonary fibrosis.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
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Otherwise, those prospects start becoming large contracts that stand more difficult to move or aggregate.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
Initiative, dubbed a ‘Swiss Brexit,’ sought binding limits by 2050, forcing strict curbs on asylum, family reunification and work permits, potentially dismantling Switzerland’s deal on free movement of people and close EU ties.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
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The administration denied the request, saying accident rates for skydiving planes are lower than those for other types of private flights, a point the United States Parachute Association has emphasized repeatedly in the years since then, lobbying against stricter rules.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
With his gruff voice, beard and sweatshirts-instead-of-suits, Platner cuts the figure of a blue-collar Mainer.—
Caroline McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
4 June 2026
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Her ex, Karl (Jake Johnson, impressively devoid of his signature gruff charm), wants to move their adorable daughter, Hazel (Nola Wallace), from New York to Boise with his new partner, Mallory (Jessy Hodges), a polished grown-up who makes the bohemian Paula feel like a mess.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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The site now a solemn memorial.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Dec. 2025
-
The Constitution vests the executive with the power—and indeed the solemn duty—to repel threats, protect commerce, and secure the nation against those who would do it harm.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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