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

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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

Examples 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 Lucy Landman was born with a very rare genetic disorder that causes severe intellectual disability, weak muscles and seizures, among other symptoms. —

Rob Stein, NPR, 13 Dec. 2024 People who are infected may experience mild symptoms, from upper respiratory symptoms to conjunctivitis/pink eye, or more severe symptoms, which include pneumonia, multi-organ failure, or death. —

Charna Flam, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024 In addition, ice storms can create black ice -- patchy ice on roadways or other transportation surfaces that cannot easily be seen -- and ice jams in lakes and streams, which can contribute to severe flooding, the NWS said. —

Max Golembo, ABC News, 13 Dec. 2024 Eventually, this can damage your liver, promote insulin resistance, and increase your risk of more severe liver conditions. 6. —

Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for severe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe

Adjective

The corps’ push for additional benefits coincided with a harsh realization for the British Army: For white men, service in the West Indies was viewed as a death sentence due to the high risk of disease.

Kinsey Gidick, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024
This is especially key as bitcoin has surged to $100,000 , meaning that the earliest holders with the lowest basis could be facing harsh taxes on sale.

Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024