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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.

The third, more severe, scenario is one in which financial conditions tighten in a meaningful way and vulnerabilities kick in, generating nonlinear behavior.

From MarketWatch • 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

AI data centers, manufacturing, and grid hardening against severe weather are driving investments, with half for transmission system upgrades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Iran could face a severe financial hit from the blockade.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

He was a middle-aged man with a severe hair part that was slicked back with pomade so thick that it made his hair look waxed.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh

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!