Synonyms for

Severity

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

Definition

the fact or condition of being severe; harshness, sternness, or strictness

Synonyms & similar words

rigourousness rigour asperity rigorousness grimness rigor hardship stiffness severeness inclemency harshness austereness badness hardness harshness rigor austerity strictness stringency infliction cruelty unforgiving severity ruthlessness hardness sternness rigorousness toughness hardship inflexibility inclemency unyielding clemency severity

Synonyms by register

Formal

gravity intensity acuteness extremity

Informal

badness awfulness seriousness

Literary

direness grimness

Antonyms

mildness gentleness lightness insignificance triviality minorness

Common collocations

  • severity of the storm
  • severity of the illness
  • severity of the crime
  • severity of the damage
  • severity of the situation
  • severity of the pain
  • severity of the sentence

Word family

noun severity
adjective severe

Usage note

Severity refers to the degree of seriousness or intensity. It is often used to describe negative situations, conditions, or punishments.

Example sentences

  1. The severity of the punishment made him think twice before breaking the rules again.
  2. The severity of the injury forced him to sit out the rest of the game.
  3. The teacher's severity in grading made the students study harder.
  4. The severity of the drought has led to water shortages.
  5. The severity of the storm caused damage to many homes.

Quotes

  • The severity of the itch is proportional to the reach.
  • Disappointment, when it involves neither shame nor loss, is as good as success; for it supplies as many images to the mind, and as many topics to the tongue.
  • You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness.

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