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Definitions

severe

[suh-veer] / səˈvɪər /
ADJECTIVE
uncompromising, stern
Synonyms
STRONGEST
harsh relentless serious strict stringent
WEAK
ascetic astringent austere biting caustic close cold cruel cutting despotic disapproving dour earnest firm flinty forbidding grave grim hard hard-nosed inconsiderate inexorable inflexible iron-handed obdurate oppressive peremptory pitiless resolute resolved rigid rigorous satirical scathing sober stern stiff strait-laced tight-lipped tyrannical unalterable unbending unchanging unfeeling unrelenting unsmiling unsparing
Antonyms
STRONGEST
kind
WEAK
amenable calm compromising easy easygoing facile friendly mild temperate willing
ADJECTIVE
harsh; extreme
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acute bitter dangerous drastic extreme fierce heavy intense punishing serious sharp tough violent
WEAK
arduous bleak consequential critical demanding distressing domineering effortful exacting forbidding grave grim grinding hard hefty implacable inclement intemperate mordant oppressive overbearing pitiless rugged strenuous taxing toilsome unpleasant unrelenting weighty wicked
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bland blunt calm dull easy gentle light mild moderate peaceful tender trivial unimportant
WEAK
amenable easygoing

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.

If he was diagnosed with a severe form of cancer or heart failure, Eggerman said he would “take the first exit ramp off that Mother Nature gives me.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Iran could face a severe financial hit from the blockade.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Jane stressed "time is of the essence", as antiviral treatment within 48 hours can reduce the risk of severe symptoms.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Despite these severe conditions, the yeast cells managed to survive.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

Along with severe shortages of food and almost everything else, the shocking losses at Verdun and the Somme—a million and a half German soldiers dead and wounded—had shaken Germany’s morale.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Vocabulary lists containing severe

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 3

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 4

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!