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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fierce
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
clergymen who dressed in severe clothing
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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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as in hardness
the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism)
even though no one expected the film to be a hit with the critics, the director was taken aback by the severity of the criticism
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of severe
Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2025
This species can cause severe infections in humans and is resistant to many antifungal medications.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
The severity of the injury has been revealed and, according to Red Sox manager Alex Cora, Bregman will be out for an extended period of time.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for severe
Adjective
In more severe cases, dogs could be hospitalized for a couple of days.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2025
This species can cause severe infections in humans and is resistant to many antifungal medications.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
Noun
Schrecker, who has taught at both Columbia and Harvard and retired as a professor at Yeshiva University, emphasized the severity of the current climate.
—Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
The severity of the injury has been revealed and, according to Red Sox manager Alex Cora, Bregman will be out for an extended period of time.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for severe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe
Adjective
-
Instead of internalising every harsh comment, try reframing it as information about their inner world rather than a reflection of your worth.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
-
Kilar’s bold moves and harsh comeuppance beg the question: In an age of uncertainty, should Hollywood look to innovative but potentially disruptive outsiders or elevate from within?—
Peter Kiefer,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
The feedback was fierce—storyboards dismantled, ideas shredded—but the environment was psychologically safe.—
Ann Kowal Smith,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
-
Caron was used to seeing my fiery side, the fierce competitor, the demanding coach.—
Jim Calhoun with Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
Some of the Thunderbird pilots flying high had to overcome serious obstacles on the ground.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
24 May 2025
-
Mouse Deals The Razer Viper V2 Pro gaming mouse is a blessing for serious esports players, even more so with a $50 price cut.—
Shubham Yewale,
PC Magazine,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
This is a time for doing the tough, often unglamorous job of making the city function for all New Yorkers.—
Scott Stringer,
New York Daily News,
3 June 2025
-
There are powerful levers to pull if Trump chooses, like increasing US military aid or imposing tough new sanctions, such as those overwhelmingly supported in the US Senate.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
But the fact that Schwartzman, in his first film, was given the difficult task of stealing laughs away from a comedy legend, and so often succeeds in doing so, gives him the slight edge.—
Shannon Carlin,
Time,
30 May 2025
-
These connections are difficult to make from within, but consultants are trained to see across boundaries.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Routine tests are ran every few hours to check water quality through pH, chlorine, phosphate, fluoride, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium hardness, turbidity and the Langelier Saturation Index, which determines water balance.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Also add calcium chloride if the water's calcium level (hardness) is too low.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Under the measure's broad scope and strict distance limits, few areas in Ohio would remain open to such purchases.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 May 2025
-
Every lens test follows strict real-world testing, where every feature and all functions are tested to assess overall performance.—
James Abbott,
Space.com,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
Peter Capaldi - Twelfth Doctor From 2014-2017, a gruff and action-ready Peter Capaldi shredded an electric guitar through the TARDIS.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
-
Over a four-decade career that began with a role on Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Lyonne has become known for portraying characters that are gruff but likable, hard-nosed but sympathetic.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
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