SEVERE Synonyms: 375 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'severe' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of severe are ascetic , austere , and stern . While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness. // severe military discipline

Q: When could 'ascetic' be used to replace 'severe'?

The words ascetic and severe are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline. // the ascetic life of the monks

Q: When can 'austere' be used instead of 'severe'?

The synonyms austere and severe are sometimes interchangeable, but austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial. // living an austere life in the country

Q: Where would 'stern' be a reasonable alternative to 'severe'?

The words stern and severe can be used in similar contexts, but stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character. // stern arbiters of public morality

severe

adjective

sə-ˈvir

Definition of severe next

as in harsh

given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint a severe, uncompromising teacher who locked the classroom door precisely when the bell rang and let no one in afterward

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fierce

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance clergymen who dressed in severe clothing

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as in serious

not joking or playful in mood or manner the judge maintained a severe expression throughout the trial

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as in tough

difficult to endure a severe winter that was among the coldest on record

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as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort a severe test of courage

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective severe contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of severe are ascetic, austere, and stern. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

When could ascetic be used to replace severe?

The words ascetic and severe are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When can austere be used instead of severe?

The synonyms austere and severe are sometimes interchangeable, but austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

Where would stern be a reasonable alternative to severe?

The words stern and severe can be used in similar contexts, but stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of severe According to that definition, heavy snowfalls and severe cold aren't technically required for a blizzard. —

Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025 The infected cats were euthanized due to severe illness after consuming raw pet food manufactured by Wild Coast Raw. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025 This flu season is one of the worst ones in recent years, Kaufman West said, as she’s seen many more people hospitalized with severe flu-like symptoms. —

Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025 Residents were urged to pay attention to severe weather warnings as the tornado risk continued into Sunday for parts of Georgia. —

Daniel Amarante, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for severe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe

Adjective

The protest was not politically motivated, but demonstrations in the country can sometimes lead to political unrest under the harsh regime.

— Brie Stimson, Fox News, 16 Feb. 2025
The delays follow the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing a warning over harsh weather for residents of Huntersville and Gastonia in North Carolina, which is also affecting the Charlotte Douglas Airport.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025