as in hardness
the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism)
even though no one expected the film to be a hit with the critics, the director was taken aback by the severity of the criticism
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of severity
At times earlier in the week, planes had to be grounded because of the severity of the wind.
—
Alec Luhn, WIRED, 10 Jan. 2025
Treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 9 Jan. 2025
The outlet added that first responders at the scene were reminded of combat wounds because of the severity of the injuries.
—Clare Fisher, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025
May Reduce the Severity of Cold and Flu Symptoms
Some researchers have found that elderberry may reduce the severity of symptoms for people with a viral illness.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for severity 
Alec Luhn, WIRED, 10 Jan. 2025
Treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 9 Jan. 2025
The outlet added that first responders at the scene were reminded of combat wounds because of the severity of the injuries.
—Clare Fisher, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025
May Reduce the Severity of Cold and Flu Symptoms
Some researchers have found that elderberry may reduce the severity of symptoms for people with a viral illness.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for severity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for severity
Noun
-
Test strips were again used to evaluate the hardness of the water once the testing period concluded.—
Brittany VanDerBill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Nov. 2024
-
Quantum annealing: This term is borrowed from annealing, a process that uses heat to alter the physical or chemical properties of a metal, glass, or plastic film to increase ductility and reduce hardness.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
30 Oct. 2024
Noun
-
Storytelling is another arena where the rigidity of old is giving way to much greater flexibility and choice that consumers have at their fingertips.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
10 Jan. 2025
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That’s likely because of his angular pickup’s rigidity.—
Carlton Reid,
WIRED,
15 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The statement went on to explain that the company would increase the stringency of pre-launch testing phases.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
1 Oct. 2024
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This can be done without financial stringencies by redirecting a fraction of the trillions of dollars spent on the military-industrial-security state.—
Armstrong Williams,
Baltimore Sun,
12 May 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near severity
Cite this Entry
“Severity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severity. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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