Definitions

severance

[sev-er-uhns, sev-ruhns] / ˈsɛv ər əns, ˈsɛv rəns /

NOUN

division

Synonyms

STRONG

analysis apportionment autopsy bisection breaking carving demarcation detachment diagnosis disjunction disjuncture dismemberment dissolution distribution disunion divorce divorcement parceling parting partition reduction rupture segmentation selection separation split subdivision vivisection

WEAK

breaking down breaking up contrasting cutting up departmentalizing detaching disparting disseverance disseverment distinguishing disuniting dividing rending separating splitting up

Antonyms

STRONG

attachment closing closure combination connection juncture marriage union

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The university recently confirmed 41 people took up an offer of a severance package or early retirement.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Some $335 million would only kick in if the other payments trigger a 20% federal excise tax on “golden parachute” severance payments he receives.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

Civil servants, such as those employed in ambassadorial roles, can be eligible for severance packages when their employment is terminated.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Starbucks said that its employees who decline to relocate will be eligible for severance, and can pursue new roles as they become available.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

“If anything like this occurs again, all of your fathers will be dismissed without severance. Anybody know what severance is? Annie?”

From "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko

Vocabulary lists containing severance

Invisible Man

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Beowulf

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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for March 2–March 8, 2024

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