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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
For those who were recently diagnosed and are having less severe motor symptoms, Fernandez suggested that a once-daily dose of tavapadon could potentially replace the three-times-a-day dosing of levodopa.
—
Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
According to the public health specialist, several high school students who lived in the same area had contracted the infection — and were suffering severe side effects.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Large to very large hail and severe wind gusts should be the main hazards, especially across the southern Plains where storms will be more concentrated.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
School closures abound As severe weather persisted, school districts in multiple states opted to cancel classes for the day.
—John Bacon, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severe
Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
According to the public health specialist, several high school students who lived in the same area had contracted the infection — and were suffering severe side effects.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Large to very large hail and severe wind gusts should be the main hazards, especially across the southern Plains where storms will be more concentrated.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
School closures abound As severe weather persisted, school districts in multiple states opted to cancel classes for the day.
—John Bacon, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe
Adjective
-
Hope reigns even in this harsh political climate we Americans are now experiencing.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2025
-
With harsh conditions and adversaries threatening to end the Dutton legacy, Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) embarks on an arduous journey home, racing against time to save his family in Montana.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The Battle of Okinawa lasted 82 days, with fierce fighting on land and sea.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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The documentary follows the story of Ángel, a charismatic boy with fierce love for his Guarani roots and a vision for his Paraguayan hometown of Nanawa.—
Lise Pedersen,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The basic differences between the branches mandate a serious effort at mutual respect.—
TIME Staff,
Time,
18 Apr. 2025
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These behaviors can lead to serious side effects, from bloating and nausea all the way up to heart attack and stroke, Pasricha says.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Over the next two years, Muhammad rang up five more victories against progressively tougher competition.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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González also supports a tough stance on crime but has criticized Noboa’s use of foreign military contractors.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Third, operational command of Kamikaze planes is difficult because results cannot be evaluated with any accuracy.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Instead, the major drama comes in the form of Ivy’s corruption by her acting coach, as Ivy gradually goes method and becomes as difficult to work with as Marilyn was (one of this musical’s many meta moments).—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Augusta National Golf Club, where the tournament takes place each April, has a strict no cell phone and cameras rule during the four days of official competition.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
18 Apr. 2025
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So Read, a 56-year-old sexologist and writer based in Calgary, Canada, developed a strict sleep and bedtime routine.—
Erica Sweeney,
SELF,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This was the puzzle: The Torch and the Treasure A Bridge Puzzle of Strategy, Speed... and Stolen Gold Five daring fantasy thieves—a nimble Elf, a sneaky Goblin, a fleet-footed Satyr, a gruff Dwarf, and a hulking Troll—have just pulled off the heist of the century.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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Could this gruff old man playing mahjong in a nondescript hall be a curious gambler on the last boat up the Mekong, laughing in the face of Edward’s existential crisis?—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In a solemn message, Dominican President Luis Abinader addressed the nation’s grief.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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In Ireland, however, St. Patrick’s Day remained a solemn day of observance with little revelry.—
Bryan McGovern,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Severe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severe. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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