SEVERITY Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

severity

noun

sə-ˈver-ə-tē

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of severity There has been no increase in the severity of poisoning, despite the increase in exposures, with no major effects reported in 2025, per the report. —

Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026 The problem is the bureaucrats aren't aware of the severity of the issue, while Ira, Harry, and Wayne uncover more facts about the circumstances. —

Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 8 June 2026 While the timing and severity are still uncertain, the threat is there. —

Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 8 June 2026 More than that may be required, depending on the severity of the bite. —

Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for severity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for severity

Noun

Minerals like calcium and magnesium can cling to the surface over time, especially in areas with high water hardness.

— Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 8 June 2026
Downstream lithography and ion implantation steps are also more demanding than for silicon, partly because SiC’s hardness complicates polishing and etch uniformity.

— Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026