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
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Recent Examples of severity
In genetic diseases of the severity of Duchenne, early diagnosis is best achieved by newborn screening.
—
Dr. Bilal Hameed, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2025
Treatment Options The treatment options available will vary based on the severity and stage of hair loss and include:5
Corticosteroid cream: A provider may prescribe a corticosteroid cream for the scalp to prevent additional hair loss.
—Patty Weasler, Rn, Bsn, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2025
Stewart has not yet commented on the severity of the cut on his hand.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025
Matthew Tkachuk’s injury Of utmost importance for the Panthers now that the tournament has concluded: Figuring out the severity of Matthew Tkachuk’s lower-body injury that hobbled him for most of the tournament.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severity
Dr. Bilal Hameed, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2025
Treatment Options The treatment options available will vary based on the severity and stage of hair loss and include:5
Corticosteroid cream: A provider may prescribe a corticosteroid cream for the scalp to prevent additional hair loss.
—Patty Weasler, Rn, Bsn, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2025
Stewart has not yet commented on the severity of the cut on his hand.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025
Matthew Tkachuk’s injury Of utmost importance for the Panthers now that the tournament has concluded: Figuring out the severity of Matthew Tkachuk’s lower-body injury that hobbled him for most of the tournament.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severity
Noun
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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
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For many of today's organizations and their employees, the rigidity of hierarchical corporate structures feels increasingly outdated.—
Patrick Donegan,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
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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
Noun
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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
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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 12 Mar. 2025.
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