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
At the moment, everyone is on standby as the severity of Flagg's ankle injury is unknown.
—
Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
This condition can range in severity, often improving with medication, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments.
—Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
Kennedy has also called out steroids and antibiotics as measles-fighting tactics, but those interventions, too, are more geared toward reducing the severity of disease once it’s already set in.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2025
The consortium has promised to reduce that to 18 months by next year, but even that’s not nearly fast enough given the severity of the transatlantic security crisis.
—David Axe, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severity
Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
This condition can range in severity, often improving with medication, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments.
—Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
Kennedy has also called out steroids and antibiotics as measles-fighting tactics, but those interventions, too, are more geared toward reducing the severity of disease once it’s already set in.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2025
The consortium has promised to reduce that to 18 months by next year, but even that’s not nearly fast enough given the severity of the transatlantic security crisis.
—David Axe, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severity
Noun
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Objects of varying size, shape and hardness were manipulated.—
Erico Guizzo,
IEEE Spectrum,
21 Oct. 2016
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Add a Magnetic Water Conditioner Like a water softener, a magnetic water conditioner controls the hardness of the water in the home.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Still, many–not all–employers are backtracking on their flexible work environments and returning to pre-pandemic rigidity.—
Mind Share Partners,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
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There are racist overtones to its actions, as well as a commitment to class rigidity and constraining the prospects of mobility.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Some express bafflement over the stringency of the requirements.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
30 Apr. 2012
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The statement went on to explain that the company would increase the stringency of pre-launch testing phases.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
1 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Severity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severity. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
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