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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of severe
And damage to roofs and interior contents is typically only covered if caused by high-speed winds during hurricanes, tornadoes or other severe weather.
—
Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Climate change is intensifying the global water cycle, leading to more frequent and severe flooding and drought.
—Claire Poole, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
In Askren’s case, the infection was so severe that both lungs failed, necessitating a double lung transplant.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 11 July 2025
Apart from journalists, scores of protesters allege LAPD projectiles left them with severe bruises, lacerations and serious injuries.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for severe
Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Climate change is intensifying the global water cycle, leading to more frequent and severe flooding and drought.
—Claire Poole, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
In Askren’s case, the infection was so severe that both lungs failed, necessitating a double lung transplant.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 11 July 2025
Apart from journalists, scores of protesters allege LAPD projectiles left them with severe bruises, lacerations and serious injuries.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for severe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe
Adjective
-
The mask fully blocks out the harsh cabin lighting and that inevitable sunrise glow before landing.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
10 July 2025
-
The biggest change was the introduction of the punitive second apron, which imposed harsh team-building restrictions on teams that crossed said line.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Winds, too, were fierce, gusting up to 70 mph at the lakefront, according to the National Weather Service.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
7 July 2025
-
With so many players in the game, the competition is simultaneously fierce and toothless.—
Todd Fisher,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
And finally, a tree with serious diseases or pests that might infect the rest of the neighborhood should be removed as soon as possible.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
-
The report cited Biden's sleep apnea treatment and stiffened gait from arthritis, but mentioned no serious ailments.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Morton, 43, may take that advice under serious consideration, mentioning how tough the fans – and even fellow cast members – have been on her following this past season’s cast trip to Grenada.—
John Lawson,
Essence,
9 July 2025
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But after rookie third baseman Ronny Mauricio made an exceptionally tough double play to end a two-on, one-out threat in the bottom of the eighth, there was no way the Mets were losing.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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James is playing the final year of his contract at $52.6 million, which is a very difficult number for teams to pay.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 July 2025
-
The fire is in difficult country with access issues and firefighters are evaluating options for the right flank and head of the fire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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Growing up in a strict Mennonite community in rural Ohio truly shaped my ethics and values.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
11 July 2025
-
That’s not the strict definition of doxxing because the post did not give Butker’s address.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Audiences can often sense the corporate overlords’ gruff hands pushing these previously distinct programs together.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 July 2025
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Their gruff cheers mismatched the high-pitched hum of the buggies.—
William Liang,
Los Angeles Times,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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Its fun-first identity is part of the draw in a market flooded with solemn storytelling and dusty barrels.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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Moderator Whoopi Goldberg opened the show with a solemn acknowledgment of the disaster, urging viewers in affected areas to stay safe and tune in for information on how to help.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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