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What is another word for Severe? – 206 Severe Synonyms

    Need another word for Severe? Use these synonyms of Severe from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    harsh extreme intense stringent rigid austere grim stern tough rough brutal savage violent fierce ferocious unrelenting merciless pitiless relentless unforgiving uncompromising unyielding draconian strict severe rigorous demanding exacting punishing grueling arduous strenuous exhausting debilitating crippling devastating calamitous disastrous catastrophic dire dreadful appalling horrific ghastly gruesome heinous atrocious abominable

    Meaning of Severe

    The primary meaning of the word "severe" is having a great degree of something unpleasant or undesirable.

    Definitions

    • (of something unpleasant or undesirable) having a great degree or intensity: severe weather, severe pain
    • (of a person or their behavior) strict, stern, or unyielding: a severe critic, severe discipline
    • (of a problem or situation) serious or alarming: a severe shortage, severe consequences

    Etymology of Severe

    The word "severe" comes from the Latin "severus", meaning strict, stern, or serious, which is derived from "se-" (without) and "verus" (true), possibly implying a lack of indulgence or leniency.
    The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe something or someone as strict, stern, or unyielding.

    Example Uses

    • The severe weather warning was issued for the entire region.
    • The company faced severe financial difficulties due to the economic downturn.
    • The teacher was known for being a severe critic of her students' work.

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    mild moderate gentle lenient soft weak slight minor insignificant trivial negligible faint vague subtle slight imperceptible inconsequential unimportant trivial petty paltry minimal limited restricted relaxed casual easy effortless painless harmless benign favorable pleasant delightful wonderful excellent superb outstanding

    Related Nouns

    severity harshness intensity extremity austerity grimness sternness toughness roughness brutality savagery violence fierceness ferocity unrelentingness mercilessness pitilessness relentlessness unforgivingness uncompromisingness unyieldingness rigor strictness demand exactness punishment grind struggle ordeal test trial hardship adversity affliction calamity disaster catastrophe

    Related Verbs

    intensify exacerbate worsen aggravate escalate heighten increase magnify amplify strengthen toughen harden brutalize savage violate assault attack punish discipline chastise castigate criticize condemn denounce reprehend reprove rebuke scold chide admonish warn threaten menace intimidate frighten terrify

    Related Adjectives

    intense extreme harsh stringent rigid austere grim stern tough rough brutal savage violent fierce ferocious unrelenting merciless pitiless relentless unforgiving uncompromising unyielding draconian strict rigorous demanding exacting punishing grueling arduous strenuous exhausting debilitating crippling devastating calamitous disastrous catastrophic dire dreadful appalling horrific ghastly gruesome heinous atrocious abominable