English adjective: severe | |||
| 1. | severe intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality | ||
| Samples | Severe pain. A severe case of flu. A terrible cough. Under wicked fire from the enemy's guns. A wicked cough. | ||
| Synonyms | terrible, wicked | ||
| Similar | intense | ||
| Antonyms | mild | ||
| 2. | severe very strong or vigorous | ||
| Samples | Strong winds. A hard left to the chin. A knockout punch. A severe blow. | ||
| Synonyms | hard, knockout | ||
| Similar | strong | ||
| Antonyms | weak | ||
| 3. | severe severely simple | ||
| Samples | A stark interior. | ||
| Synonyms | austere, stark, stern | ||
| Similar | plain | ||
| Antonyms | fancy | ||
| 4. | severe unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment | ||
| Samples | A parent severe to the pitch of hostility. A hefty six-footer with a rather severe mien. A strict disciplinarian. A Spartan upbringing. | ||
| Synonyms | spartan | ||
| Similar | nonindulgent, strict | ||
| Antonyms | indulgent | ||
| 5. | severe causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm | ||
| Samples | A dangerous operation. A grave situation. A grave illness. Grievous bodily harm. A serious wound. A serious turn of events. A severe case of pneumonia. A life-threatening disease. | ||
| Synonyms | dangerous, grave, grievous, life-threatening, serious | ||
| Similar | critical | ||
| Antonyms | noncritical, noncrucial | ||
| 6. | severe very bad in degree or extent | ||
| Samples | A severe worldwide depression. The house suffered severe damage. | ||
| Similar | bad | ||
| Antonyms | good | ||