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Showing results for severe.
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.

However, partly offsetting that pressure, crude output disruptions across the Middle East appear less severe than expected, aided by greater-than-anticipated storage capacity both on land and at sea, according to the U.S. bank.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

“The software group has been under severe valuation pressure recently due to fears that generative AI technology makes their collective business models easy to replicate and undermine,” said Richard Baldry, senior research analyst at Roth.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

The ECB’s adverse scenario predicts a sharper rise in inflation and lower growth than the baseline, though the impact wouldn’t be as pronounced as its severe scenario.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

It said the most severe conditions that could lead to a worldwide slowdown would include oil prices reaching an average $110 per barrel this year and hitting $125 in 2027.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The contagion caused severe diarrhea, dehydrating the body so that blood thickened; sufferers’ skin turned dark blue.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

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!