SEVERE Synonyms: 375 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'severe' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of severe are ascetic , austere , and stern . While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness. // severe military discipline

Q: When could 'ascetic' be used to replace 'severe'?

The words ascetic and severe are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline. // the ascetic life of the monks

Q: When can 'austere' be used instead of 'severe'?

The synonyms austere and severe are sometimes interchangeable, but austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial. // living an austere life in the country

Q: Where would 'stern' be a reasonable alternative to 'severe'?

The words stern and severe can be used in similar contexts, but stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character. // stern arbiters of public morality

severe

adjective

sə-ˈvir

Definition of severe next

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

as in fierce

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance clergymen who dressed in severe clothing

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as in serious

not joking or playful in mood or manner the judge maintained a severe expression throughout the trial

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as in tough

difficult to endure a severe winter that was among the coldest on record

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as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort a severe test of courage

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective severe contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of severe are ascetic, austere, and stern. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

When could ascetic be used to replace severe?

The words ascetic and severe are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When can austere be used instead of severe?

The synonyms austere and severe are sometimes interchangeable, but austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

Where would stern be a reasonable alternative to severe?

The words stern and severe can be used in similar contexts, but stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

Examples 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 severe The National Basketball Association said the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena was postponed due to the severe weather and hazardous icy conditions in the Atlanta area. —

CBS News, 11 Jan. 2025 For more severe discomfort, Hu suggests using thicker lubricating gels or ointments at bedtime, though these may temporarily blur vision. —

Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025 Moore endured struggles in the ‘70s, including a severe heroin addiction and in the early ‘80s, his wife, Joyce McRae helped save his life by entering him into a clinical trial of the anti-opiate Naltrexone. —

Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025 If a mountain wave occurs and a fire is present, the fire may become unexpectedly severe as the strong downslope wind fans the flames. —

Kurt Snibbe, Orange County Register, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for severe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe

Adjective

Advocates and relatives describe harsh conditions in immigration detention.

— Dake Kang and Huizhong Wu, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
Soviet scientists at the time believed that strays, given that they were already accustomed to harsh conditions, would be better suited to the extreme environments of space.

— Scott Travers, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025