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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of severity
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
Read More: The Superstorm Era Is Upon Us Every state has now experienced a billion-dollar natural disaster, but the severity and frequency of these are rising, largely due to two significant shifts: First, the U.S. is building far more expensive properties.
—Jeremy Ney, Time, 21 May 2025
The increase in cost is due not only to greater storm severity, but also to inflation, as well as higher populations and more real estate development in riskier areas.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for severity
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
Read More: The Superstorm Era Is Upon Us Every state has now experienced a billion-dollar natural disaster, but the severity and frequency of these are rising, largely due to two significant shifts: First, the U.S. is building far more expensive properties.
—Jeremy Ney, Time, 21 May 2025
The increase in cost is due not only to greater storm severity, but also to inflation, as well as higher populations and more real estate development in riskier areas.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for severity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severity
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
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Also add calcium chloride if the water's calcium level (hardness) is too low.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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These organizations can surface insights faster, adapt more smoothly and avoid the rigidity that often leads to systemic stagnation.—
Rob Robinson,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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Ultimately, the challenge lies in overcoming institutional rigidity to mobilize the vast potential of the multilateral system to bridge crucial financing gaps.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 May 2025
Noun
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Before this report, private hot tubs were not required to be cleaned with the same stringency as public hot tubs according to CDC guidelines.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2025
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Some express bafflement over the stringency of the requirements.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
30 Apr. 2012
Cite this Entry
“Severity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severity. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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