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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.

While the initial selloff was more severe than what investors have typically seen, the pace of the rebound over the past couple of weeks has also been pretty intense.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

Then Iran would have to shut-in wells, which can cause severe damage and cost it billions of dollars in annual revenue.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

In more severe scenarios, with the oil price averaging $110 a barrel and $125 next year, and energy prices and interest rates continuing to rise, a global recession would be a "close call".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Turkey has strict gun laws that require licensing, registration, mental and criminal background checks, and severe penalties for illegal possession.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

A smile broke out on her severe yet beautiful face.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

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!