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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of severe Data theft and ransomware attacks against health care and critical third-party providers are still happening at an alarmingly high rate in 2024, which is shaping up to be as severe as last year, the worst on record for health care breaches. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 7 Nov. 2024 This push for fossil fuels not only accelerates climate change but also heightens pollution levels, which are often most severe in Black communities that are already burdened by environmental hazards. —

Jameelah Nasheed, Essence, 6 Nov. 2024 There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (which is less severe) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. —

Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Nov. 2024 Bill undergoes a moral crisis when his path crosses with a wretched head nun (Emily Watson) at a convent that’s part of the notorious Magdalene Laundries — a place of severe abuse of women. —

Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for severe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for severe

Adjective

Trump has promised to enact a new fiscal and economic regime, including harsh tariffs that some economists fear could have inflationary effects.

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
For your glass cooktop, avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges.

Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024