Synonyms for

Severely

Verb / sʌˈvɪrli: / Another word for severely — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

in a very bad or serious manner; causing great harm or damage

Synonyms & similar words

hard badly gravely seriously sternly badly terribly awfully seriously gravely harshly cruelly painfully viciously brutally roughly violently intensely strongly powerfully poorly negatively disastrously harmfully

Synonyms by register

Formal

gravely critically acutely profoundly

Informal

badly awfully terribly really

Literary

grievously direly

Antonyms

mildly slightly gently lightly moderately somewhat

Common collocations

  • severely damaged
  • severely injured
  • severely limited
  • severely restricted
  • severely punished
  • severely affected
  • severely criticized

Word family

adjective severe

Usage note

This adverb indicates an extreme or very serious degree. It is often used with negative outcomes or conditions.

Example sentences

  1. The storm severely damaged the house.
  2. He was severely injured in the accident.
  3. The teacher severely scolded the students for misbehaving.
  4. The drought severely affected the crops.
  5. The illness has severely weakened him.

Quotes

  • The blow was so severe that his mouth filled with blood.
  • The punishment inflicted was severe, but just.
  • The storm was severe, but we weathered it together.

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