severance

noun

sev·​er·​ance ˈse-və-rən(t)s How to pronounce severance (audio)
ˈsev-rən(t)s
Synonyms of severancenext
: the act or process of severing : the state of being severed

Examples of severance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During meetings in June and July, some of the 15-member board backed Crespi, pushing to give her nine months’ severance and taking issue with Rosado’s decision to publicly criticize her. — Tess Riski august 5, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026 Meta Platforms said Wednesday its second-quarter profit declined even as revenue beat Wall Street’s expectations, as legal expenses and severance costs for recent layoffs weighed on its results. — Barbara Ortutay, Fortune, 30 July 2026 The company beat on the top line but missed Wall Street’s earnings forecast on the legal and severance-related charges. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 29 July 2026 The purpose of the meeting was to be offered severance of $102,500 as the Globes phased out its model of paying its awards voters. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for severance

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of severance was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing severance

Rhymes for severance

See All Rhymes for severance

Browse Nearby Words

severalty
severance
severance contract
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Severance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/severance. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

severance

noun
sev·​er·​ance ˈsev-(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce severance (audio)
: the act or process of severing : the state of being severed

More from Merriam-Webster on severance

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for severance

Nglish: Translation of severance for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of torpor

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All