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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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
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
-
Before Getting Started When cleaning your oven, try to avoid using harsh oven cleaners or using the self-cleaning feature.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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The two have one of the fiercest rivals in college football known as the Iron Bowl.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
19 July 2025
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He’s also ruled out the Chinese mainland due to fierce competition, entrenched EV incumbents, and a power grid so advanced that ultra-fast charging is widely available—making battery swapping largely unnecessary.—
Clay Chandler,
Fortune,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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The restaurant was temporarily closed by the city for multiple serious health violations, including a malfunctioning refrigerator and freezer, mold growth and food buildup on kitchen equipment.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 July 2025
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Over time, those sketches became more serious, taking the form of tattoo designs.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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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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Ullmann is the daughter of the late Swedish director Ingmar Bergman and the Norwegian actor Liv Ullmann, and specifics of her childhood are not difficult to locate.—
Rachel Vorona Cote,
The Atlantic,
15 July 2025
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Speaking with director Joe Johnston, Oka explained the two most difficult things to simulate digitally at the time were human skin and water.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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The rule requires refiners and fuel distributors to meet stricter emissions targets even as refineries close in a state that has long made its hostility to the oil and gas industry clear.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 July 2025
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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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The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
15 July 2025
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The eventual confirmation of his passing, delivered by solemn White House and medical officials, triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, even from those who had been his staunchest opponents.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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