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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of severe
In the study, researchers examined health records from more than 800 people with an average age of 56 in five countries with moderate to severe aortic regurgitation.
—
Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 5 Feb. 2026
If a hearing loss is detected, it can be considered mild, moderate, severe, or profound in severity.
—Hannah Silverman, Parents, 5 Feb. 2026
Some of those storms packed a punch, especially just northeast of Houston, where the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, reminding many of us that severe weather can happen anytime of year in the Lone Star State.
—Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
That plan identified the city’s high-injury network, which is the collection of city streets where the highest numbers of fatal and severe injury collisions occur.
—Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for severe
Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 5 Feb. 2026
If a hearing loss is detected, it can be considered mild, moderate, severe, or profound in severity.
—Hannah Silverman, Parents, 5 Feb. 2026
Some of those storms packed a punch, especially just northeast of Houston, where the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, reminding many of us that severe weather can happen anytime of year in the Lone Star State.
—Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
That plan identified the city’s high-injury network, which is the collection of city streets where the highest numbers of fatal and severe injury collisions occur.
—Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for severe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe
Adjective
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The energy output is designed to remain stable down to –50 degrees Celsius, supporting reliable operation in some of the harshest climates on Earth, reports InsideEVs.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
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Rapinchuk recommends only using non-toxic products when cleaning your refrigerator and avoiding anything with harsh chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Kam and O'Shea exceeded all expectations with a performance characterized by spectacular lifts and fierce musicality.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
8 Feb. 2026
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Then, in the middle of a fierce snowstorm, a skinny little girl and her dog show up at the resort.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In a statement to NBC News, Daiichi Sankyo, which makes Savaysa, said that the drug is used to reduce the risk of stroke and clots but added that anticoagulants can increase the risk of serious bleeding.—
David Cox,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
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Many of these people had been charged with serious crimes like assaulting security officers or bus and train operators, weapons possession, or threatening drivers.—
Amber Gaudet
Updated February 5,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Most importantly, Alvarado relishes in his role as a tough-nosed, point-of-attack defender, an area the Knicks have had trouble despite building a roster with notable defenders across all positions.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
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With a durable and tough rubber sole featuring Vibram's TC5+ technology, each step offers the right amount of flex and resistance for a comfortable hiking experience.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Training and case management through FRAP is supposed to help attorneys deal with what Clegg calls a difficult area of law.—
Raynee Howell,
Oklahoma Watch,
9 Feb. 2026
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Will this race and the other changes create an opportunity for NASCAR to turn the page on its difficult 2025?—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Freezer operations typically require specialized protective gear, shorter shifts, and strict exposure limits, all of which drive higher labor costs.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
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Places like Los Angeles and Oakland have high permit fees and strict zoning that often confines cans to industrial areas.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The characters are well developed and unpredictable—perhaps none more so than John Stone, Nasir’s gruff public-defense attorney.—
Stephanie Bai,
The Atlantic,
8 Feb. 2026
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Also present was the gruff playwright.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Queen Emma was the first to wear the sapphire tiara in official portraits and solemn ceremonies, setting a precedent that her successors respected.—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
13 Feb. 2026
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Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians, who may reflect, fast and attend special church services.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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