SEVERELY Synonyms: 199 Similar and Opposite Words

severely

adverb

Definition of severely

as in harshly

in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering the building was severely damaged by the explosion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extremely

to a great degree the rescued mountain climbers were severely dehydrated

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of severely Shipping traffic remains severely restricted, demonstrating that many shipowners are not willing to risk a possible Iranian attack and underscoring Tehran’s ongoing leverage over Hormuz. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 One pedestrian was killed and another was severely injured during a hit-and-run crash in South Los Angeles on Monday, according to Los Angeles police. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Soto’s lawyer, William Welch, said at trial he was severely beaten inside the home and shot Morello in self-defense as the confrontation spilled out into the front yard. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 The autopsy report said investigators used dental image comparisons to identify the body, which was severely decomposed. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Leagues play out over monthslong seasons, require regular attention, and can punish players severely for missing even a single week. — Dominic Preston, The Verge, 19 Aug. 2026 Political freedoms have often been severely restricted, workers have few rights and power has typically been concentrated in the hands of political elites. — Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2026 Ship traffic through the Strait remained severely restricted, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, surged over $90 a barrel. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 18 Aug. 2026 The beloved Punalu’u Bake Shop on in Naalehu, Big Island, a tourist hotspot and major local employer, was severely damaged. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for severely

Adverb

And then, the organization's chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, harshly came out against the plan, releasing a statement to the Associated Press, saying FIFA's staff had been blindsided by it.

— Rafael Nam, NPR, 31 July 2026
Like other senior bankers, Sehnaoui was harshly criticized following Lebanon's historic economic meltdown in 2019, when most people lost access to their money.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026

Definition of harshly

Adverb

Members of the search-and-rescue team who helped save the friends say the area is extremely treacherous and potentially dangerous even in daylight and perfect conditions.

— Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
The Washington Capitals’ system is headlined by the highly creative Cole Hutson and the extremely competitive Ryan Leonard.

— Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of extremely

Adverb

Survey respondents said their dwellings stayed oppressively hot even at night because overcrowding and poor construction trapped the heat.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 24 July 2026
Jackie searches for Madi, wondering if her sister is a victim or a killer while maneuvering an oppressively demanding office and reflecting on her own previous crimes.

— Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026

Definition of oppressively

Adverb

The movement feels fluid but also brutally impactful when Wolvie lands claws-first on an unsuspecting enemy with a thud.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Itzkowitz is the eldest son of Albert Itzkowitz, who was brutally murdered in broad daylight at Kissena Park in Queens on the afternoon of May 18.

— Simcha Itzkowitz, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of brutally

Adverb

Seattle’s pipeline is incredibly healthy, anchored by a top defense prospect in Chase Reid and a highly skilled pivot in Jake O’Brien.

— Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
The combination bristles feel amazing on my scalp (like the best head scratch ever) while also smoothing my incredibly frizzy hair.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of incredibly

Adverb

Even when off-the-shelf software fit badly, most companies still bought it because the alternative was too expensive to justify.

— Andrew Siemer, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Although the country has been badly damaged by war, the regime remains intact, and its regional power has grown.

— MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of badly

Browse Nearby Words

severed

severely

severeness

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“Severely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/severely. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of severely

adverb

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