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
Both California and Florida, which have always been disaster-prone states, have seen an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events over the past few years.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Flood advisory: Be aware: A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning.
—Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2025
Depending on the severity and location of the impaction, your healthcare provider may recommend a specific type of disimpaction.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 16 Feb. 2025
Just as with self-driving cars, the focus should not solely be on achieving perfection, but rather on minimizing the frequency and severity of incidents.
—Rob El Kareh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severity
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Flood advisory: Be aware: A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning.
—Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2025
Depending on the severity and location of the impaction, your healthcare provider may recommend a specific type of disimpaction.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 16 Feb. 2025
Just as with self-driving cars, the focus should not solely be on achieving perfection, but rather on minimizing the frequency and severity of incidents.
—Rob El Kareh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severity
Noun
-
Calcium is instrumental for developing strong bones and teeth, supplying both structure and hardness to your physical architecture.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
19 Feb. 2025
-
In oil, heat diffuses more slowly, resulting in a moderate hardness, and the process is less likely to damage the sword.—
Kevin Chroust,
Outside Online,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
In the borough of New York—away from the rigidity of the traditional school—is a micro-school that is reconceptualizing the education model.—
Hilary Tetenbaum,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
-
The film’s general rigidity and lack of thrills become more apparent when Levi accidentally falls into the gorge.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The statement went on to explain that the company would increase the stringency of pre-launch testing phases.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
1 Oct. 2024
-
This can be done without financial stringencies by redirecting a fraction of the trillions of dollars spent on the military-industrial-security state.—
Armstrong Williams,
Baltimore Sun,
12 May 2024
Cite this Entry
“Severity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severity. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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