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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fierce
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
clergymen who dressed in severe clothing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Consider Medications More severe cases of bacne may require medical treatment or prescription medication options, including:1213
Dapsone gel: This topical antibiotic can help clear back acne when applied daily.
—
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
But her origin story is compelling: Braverman was born in Ukraine, just weeks before the Chernobyl nuclear event, and was in severe respiratory distress soon after birth.
—John Werner, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Konstantopoulos has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a chronic condition that affects connective tissues and makes injuries more frequent and severe.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Isolated, severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts are possible for the Baltimore area Wednesday.
—Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severe
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
But her origin story is compelling: Braverman was born in Ukraine, just weeks before the Chernobyl nuclear event, and was in severe respiratory distress soon after birth.
—John Werner, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Konstantopoulos has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a chronic condition that affects connective tissues and makes injuries more frequent and severe.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Isolated, severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts are possible for the Baltimore area Wednesday.
—Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe
Adjective
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Each of our pieces is a symbol of resilience, proving that creativity can thrive even under the harshest circumstances.—
Gemma A. Williams,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
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The Patriots are paying for potential more than immediate production, so the F grade feels harsh.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Monday night’s fierce winds took it down, damaging the support structures in the process.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Mar. 2025
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The result captures something rarely seen in sports marketing: fierce competitors actively supporting each other’s growth.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Equip yourself with these guidelines from the NWS to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards: Beware of rapid water flow: During heavy rain, avoid playing near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
The Mercury News,
13 Mar. 2025
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Is Google finally getting serious about Android gaming?—
Ryan Whitwam,
Ars Technica,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The New York Fed survey of consumer expectations showed respondents believe tougher economic conditions are ahead.—
Courtenay Brown,
Axios,
11 Mar. 2025
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Secret Service would likely have something to say about that, though the Cybertruck does have a pretty tough exterior.—
Emily Forlini,
PCMAG,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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As college sports continues its rapid professionalization, the ACC is in a difficult spot.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
19 Mar. 2025
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Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Australia has strict biosecurity laws regarding pet imports, with the standard quarantine period set at 10 days.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
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While strict organ specificity was observed for only six diseases, most conditions exhibited partial organ specificity.—
William A. Haseltine,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In The Empire’s frame, residents of a coastal village in northern France — gruff, virile fisherman Jony (Brandon Vlieghe) and teenage tease Line (Lyna Khoudri) — reveal their oddball allegiance to extraterrestrial invaders.—
Armond White,
National Review,
14 Mar. 2025
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There’s a gruff and garrulous baseball pitching and hitting machine called Pop Fly (Brian Cox).—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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From its origins as a solemn feast day to its transformation into a global celebration of Irish heritage, St. Patrick's Day is a meaningful occasion for many.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
17 Mar. 2025
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Earlier this month, Francis participated virtually in the Vatican’s weeklong spiritual retreat, an annual gathering that kicks off the Catholic Church’s solemn Lenten season leading to Easter.—
Angela Yang,
NBC News,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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