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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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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of severe
As recently as January, the Liberals trailed the Conservatives by almost twenty points in the polls, owing to a wave of severe, if sometimes incoherent, dissatisfaction with Trudeau.
—
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 1 May 2025
April 2022 water levels Prior to 2023, California was experiencing severe, widespread drought.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
On Wednesday at 11:04 a.m. the NWS Fort Worth TX released a severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 11:45 a.m.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2025
Plaintiffs and the class face severe financial and academic hardship.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severe
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 1 May 2025
April 2022 water levels Prior to 2023, California was experiencing severe, widespread drought.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
On Wednesday at 11:04 a.m. the NWS Fort Worth TX released a severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 11:45 a.m.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2025
Plaintiffs and the class face severe financial and academic hardship.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe
Adjective
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Wash your hair gently, moisturize regularly with scalp-friendly products, and avoid scratching or harsh brushing.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Apr. 2025
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This recent New York Times piece highlights some of the harsh realities along with the misperceptions.—
Jennifer Castenson,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Tehran claims its program is peaceful but has threatened fierce retaliation and a possible withdrawal from the nonproliferation treaty if its nuclear sites are attacked.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
8 May 2025
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The old model of fierce independence is a luxury many can't afford during this transition.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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But legal experts said a criminal contempt finding would be a serious step to be avoided.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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Emergency personnel transported the injured person to a nearby trauma center with serious injuries, officials said.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Published in English, Tehelka had a small circulation but an outsized reputation for tough investigations.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
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Jimmie Woods-Gray, a member of the city’s fire commission, said that cutting the Equity Bureau is a necessary step in a tough budget year.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Rust, a difficult movie to release, grossed $25k at 115 theaters, presented by Falling Forward Films.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
4 May 2025
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Surace 39-37 Round 3 - These are difficult to score.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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For those that don’t know, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond 7 Years is a traditional Kentucky bourbon adhering to strict requirements—100 proof, aged at least four years and produced in a single distilling season.—
Mark Littler,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
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Oral arguments will be heard in the landmark case on Wednesday, pitting claims of religious freedom against efforts to maintain strict separation of church and state.—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Fimmel digs into the more stereotypical gruff bounty hunter with relish, though the character itself is a western staple.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
1 May 2025
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There’s a gruff lyricism to the performance that’s entrancing even when Elmer is standing up in a coffin.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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President Trump Makes His Entrance At Pope Francis' Funeral By Emma Marsden Freelance News Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 7 Pope Francis' funeral took place in a solemn ceremony at the Vatican on Saturday, drawing hundreds of thousands of mourners from around the world.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
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The solemn ceremony will draw world leaders from around the globe.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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