severe
adjective
se·vere sə-ˈvir 
severer; severest
1
a
: strict in judgment, discipline, or government
b
: of a strict or stern bearing or manner : austere
2
: rigorous in restraint, punishment, or requirement : stringent
3
: strongly critical or condemnatory
a severe critic
4
a
: maintaining a scrupulously exacting standard of behavior or self-discipline
b
: establishing exacting standards of accuracy and integrity in intellectual processes
a severe logician
5
: sober or restrained in decoration or manner : plain
a severe dress
6
a
: causing discomfort or hardship : harsh
severe winters
b
: very painful or harmful
a severe wound
7
: requiring great effort : arduous
a severe test
8
: of a great degree
severe depression
severely adverb
severeness noun
Synonyms
- austere
- authoritarian
- flinty
- hard
- harsh
- heavy-handed
- ramrod
- rigid
- rigorous
- stern
- strict
- tough
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
On Feb. 25 regulators laid out details on how they will run the "stress tests" that Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner has promised on the biggest banks. Now those tests, designed to judge whether the banks have the capital to keep lending and absorb losses in a severe recession, face an exam of their own. 
Jane Sasseen et al., Business Week, 9 Mar. 2009 A study in February in the journal Lancet, for instance, compared treatments for severe ankle sprains, concluding that a below-the-knee cast is superior to a tubular compression bandage. Sharon Begley, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2009 Between 2000 and 2004 the number of Americans covered by Medicaid rose by a remarkable eight million. Over the same period the ranks of the uninsured rose by six million. So without the growth of Medicaid, the uninsured population would have exploded, and we'd be facing a severe crisis in medical care. Paul Krugman et al., New York Review of Books, 23 Mar. 2006 As several economists—most notably Jeffrey Williamson, of Harvard University—have written recently, international trade increased dramatically between 1850 and the First World War. Williamson goes on to point out that one consequence of this earlier period of globalization was that governments retreated into policies of severe trade and immigration restrictions. Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 10 May 1999 The storm caused severe damage to the roof. The patient is in severe pain. children with severe learning disabilities In the most severe cases, the disease can lead to blindness. He suffered a severe head injury. He faces severe penalties for his actions. The war was a severe test of his leadership. See More
Jane Sasseen et al., Business Week, 9 Mar. 2009 A study in February in the journal Lancet, for instance, compared treatments for severe ankle sprains, concluding that a below-the-knee cast is superior to a tubular compression bandage. Sharon Begley, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2009 Between 2000 and 2004 the number of Americans covered by Medicaid rose by a remarkable eight million. Over the same period the ranks of the uninsured rose by six million. So without the growth of Medicaid, the uninsured population would have exploded, and we'd be facing a severe crisis in medical care. Paul Krugman et al., New York Review of Books, 23 Mar. 2006 As several economists—most notably Jeffrey Williamson, of Harvard University—have written recently, international trade increased dramatically between 1850 and the First World War. Williamson goes on to point out that one consequence of this earlier period of globalization was that governments retreated into policies of severe trade and immigration restrictions. Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 10 May 1999 The storm caused severe damage to the roof. The patient is in severe pain. children with severe learning disabilities In the most severe cases, the disease can lead to blindness. He suffered a severe head injury. He faces severe penalties for his actions. The war was a severe test of his leadership. See More Recent Examples on the Web In recent years, rich nations have seen precipitous drops in rates of severe disease and violent crime occurrences. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2022 The Sarasota man tried to seek help, but then realized he was lost and wandered for three days— in severe agony. Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 For those at lower risk of exposure or developing severe disease, holding off could make sense, according to some experts. Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2022 The new shot is likely to continue protecting against severe disease and death from Covid-19 as previous versions have, according to doctors. Alex Janin, WSJ, 10 Sep. 2022 Others have suggested that oral or nasal vaccines would do a better job of not just preventing severe disease, but stopping transmission. Meredith Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 9 Sep. 2022 Ryan Stotler, who lives in a Tampa suburb, also plans to boost himself and his son to protect both of them against the possibility of severe disease. Caroline Catherman, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 However, while the CDC and others are more generally focused on preventing severe disease from Covid-19, experts say there are still benefits to avoiding infection, especially for kids in school. Deidre Mcphillips, CNN, 8 Sep. 2022 While people of all ages are susceptible to the virus, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease, the statement said. Adam Sennott, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2022 See More
Tristan Bove, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2022 The Sarasota man tried to seek help, but then realized he was lost and wandered for three days— in severe agony. Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 For those at lower risk of exposure or developing severe disease, holding off could make sense, according to some experts. Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2022 The new shot is likely to continue protecting against severe disease and death from Covid-19 as previous versions have, according to doctors. Alex Janin, WSJ, 10 Sep. 2022 Others have suggested that oral or nasal vaccines would do a better job of not just preventing severe disease, but stopping transmission. Meredith Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 9 Sep. 2022 Ryan Stotler, who lives in a Tampa suburb, also plans to boost himself and his son to protect both of them against the possibility of severe disease. Caroline Catherman, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 However, while the CDC and others are more generally focused on preventing severe disease from Covid-19, experts say there are still benefits to avoiding infection, especially for kids in school. Deidre Mcphillips, CNN, 8 Sep. 2022 While people of all ages are susceptible to the virus, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease, the statement said. Adam Sennott, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin severus
First Known Use
1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing severe
Kids Definition
severe
adjective
se·vere sə-ˈvir
severer; severest
1
: serious in feeling or manner
The sheriff gave me a … severe lecture about driving without a license … Sharon Creech, Walk Two Moons
Sharon Creech, Walk Two Moons2
: hard to bear or deal with
severe suffering
a severe test
3
: very strict : harsh
a severe ruler
4
: not using unnecessary ornament : plain
a severe style
severe
adjective
1
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
Relevance
- harsh
- strict
- tough
- rigorous
- authoritarian
- stern
- rigid
- hard
- merciless
- relentless
- hardened
- austere
- gruff
- relentless
- flinty
- demanding
- heavy-handed
- steadfast
- unrelenting
- bullying
- ramrod
- exacting
- unforgiving
- stiff
- pitiless
- adamant
- determined
- implacable
- callous
- unbending
- unyielding
- uncompromising
- inflexible
- uncharitable
- unsparing
- intractable
- dour
- ascetic
- obstinate
- adamantine
- resolved
- hard-hearted
- immovable
- unflinching
- dogged
- ossified
- browbeating
- hard-line
- monastic
- monkish
- firm
- ascetical
- rock-ribbed
- single-minded
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- mild
- gentle
- lenient
- tolerant
- lax
- easy
- indulgent
- forbearing
- kind
- clement
- patient
- soft
- merciful
- easygoing
- charitable
- undemanding
- accepting
- willing
- yielding
- softhearted
- responsive
- compromising
- amenable
- agreeable
- flexible
- laid-back
- compliant
- complaisant
- pliable
- acquiescent
- pliant
2
as in fierce
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance clergymen who dressed in severe clothing Synonyms & Similar Words
- fierce
- stern
- gruff
- grim
- intimidating
- rugged
- hostile
- forbidding
- bleak
- stark
- rough
- lowering
- cold
- ungentle
- austere
- hardened
- dour
- stubborn
- steely
- flinty
- dark
- somber
- serious
- louring
- determined
- moody
- black
- stiff
- unrelenting
- bound
- resolute
- obstinate
- unsympathetic
- inhospitable
- unfriendly
- willful
- solemn
- resolved
- adamant
- inimical
- rigid
- implacable
- purposeful
- intent
- steadfast
- unflinching
- obdurate
- fixed
- uncompromising
- unbending
- unyielding
- inflexible
- hard
- firm
- melancholy
- mulish
- unchangeable
- surly
- gloomy
- wilful
- sullen
- immovable
- hardheaded
- morose
- grave
- joyless
- set
- humorless
- cheerless
- sulky
- melancholic
- ironhanded
- glum
- self-willed
- brooding
- unsmiling
- immutable
- weighty
- sober
- staid
- sombre
- sobersided
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- mild
- gentle
- benign
- soft
- tender
- easy
- benignant
- meek
- mellow
- bland
- soothing
- quiet
- pleasant
- sweet
- nonintimidating
- bright
- tranquil
- agreeable
- cheerful
- pleasing
- happy
- glad
- merry
- inviting
- sunny
- silly
- frivolous
- mirthful
- lighthearted
- playful
- goofy
- giddy
- scatterbrained
- flighty
- harebrained
- featherbrained
- light-headed
3
as in serious
not joking or playful in mood or manner the judge maintained a severe expression throughout the trial Synonyms & Similar Words
- serious
- solemn
- stern
- harsh
- earnest
- humorless
- unsmiling
- distinguished
- professional
- strict
- grave
- sober
- staid
- sedate
- po-faced
- uncomic
- weighty
- sobersided
- no-nonsense
- grim
- dignified
- businesslike
- gloomy
- elevated
- serious-minded
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- flippant
- humorous
- playful
- joking
- ridiculous
- jocular
- light
- facetious
- hysterical
- funny
- ludicrous
- comical
- hysteric
- laughable
- ludic
- riotous
- flip
- uproarious
- hilarious
- kittenish
- frivolous
- risible
- droll
- screaming
- comic
- insane
- farcical
- antic
- goofy
- jesting
- absurd
- foolish
- puerile
- mad
- crazy
- unwise
- silly
- lighthearted
- nutty
- flighty
- scatterbrained
- sidesplitting
- zany
- asinine
- wacky
- whacky
- lunatic
- nonsensical
- senseless
- fatuous
- loony
- preposterous
- harebrained
- light-headed
- daft
- balmy
- witless
- jerky
- brainless
- kooky
- cuckoo
- sappy
- daffy
- dotty
- featherbrained
- cockeyed
- looney
- screwball
- weak-minded
- kookie
- half-witted
4
as in tough
difficult to endure a severe winter that was among the coldest on record Synonyms & Similar Words
- harsh
- tough
- searing
- oppressive
- brutal
- rough
- hard
- cruel
- painful
- heavy
- grievous
- grim
- trying
- excruciating
- onerous
- burdensome
- bitter
- inhuman
- murderous
- bleak
- stiff
- rugged
- unbearable
- unpleasant
- strict
- uncomfortable
- stringent
- rigorous
- bad
- hardhanded
- inclement
- austere
- intolerable
- discomforting
- overwhelming
- forbidding
- intemperate
- agonizing
- biting
- inhospitable
- crushing
- spartan
- insufferable
- grinding
- unendurable
- harrowing
- comfortless
- hostile
- wild
- wretched
- tortuous
- disagreeable
- heartbreaking
- wearing
- insupportable
- heartrending
- unfriendly
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- easy
- light
- soft
- comfortable
- pleasant
- luxurious
- friendly
- mild
- agreeable
- moderate
- cozy
- genial
- hospitable
- peaceful
- tolerable
- gentle
- restful
- relaxing
- bearable
- painless
- snug
- calm
- temperate
- endurable
- balmy
- reposeful
- clement
5
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort a severe test of courage Synonyms & Similar Words
- difficult
- challenging
- tough
- rigorous
- demanding
- hard
- heavy
- formidable
- complicated
- rough
- serious
- painful
- testing
- strenuous
- rugged
- tall
- effortful
- arduous
- sweaty
- murderous
- exacting
- grueling
- stiff
- uphill
- laborious
- exhausting
- killer
- backbreaking
- herculean
- intricate
- complex
- toilsome
- hellacious
- annoying
- gruelling
- problematic
- involved
- bruising
- stubborn
- brutal
- grim
- oppressive
- troublesome
- moiling
- onerous
- stressful
- elusive
- tricky
- pick-and-shovel
- burdensome
- strict
- insoluble
- hairy
- tight
- stringent
- ticklish
- taxing
- abstract
- irksome
- knotty
- bothersome
- labored
- problematical
- grievous
- thorny
- trying
- abstruse
- recondite
- distressing
- spiny
- vexatious
- cruel
- opaque
- Augean
- inhuman
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- light
- simple
- soft
- easy
- clear
- mindless
- cheap
- elementary
- gentle
- doable
- uncomplicated
- undemanding
- facile
- achievable
- effortless
- manageable
- smooth
- soothing
- painless
- comforting
- relaxed
- friendly
- accessible
- idiotproof
- user-friendly
Synonym Chooser
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
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
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
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
- sclerify
- sclerite
- sclerites
- scleritises
- sclero-
- sclerobase
- sclerobasic
- scleroblast
- scleroblastem
- scleroblastema
- scleroblastemas
- scleroblastemata
- scleroblastemic
- scleroblastems
- scleroblastic
- sclerocauly
- sclerodemae
- sclerodemas
- sclerodemata
- scleroderm
- scleroderma
- sclerodermae
- sclerodermas
- sclerodermata
- Sclerodermataceae