207 entries under severe topic. ×

9
ruthless(adjective, appearance, mean, hard)
9
stony(adjective, person, mean, harsh)
9
unappeasable(adjective, mean, harsh, cruel)
9
unsparing(adjective, tough, firm, harsh)
8
obstinate(adjective, hard, tough, rough)
8
stark(adjective, bleak, austere, inhospitable)
8
unfeeling(adjective, mean, hard, tough)
7
steely(adjective, harsh, serious, resolute)
7
astringent(adjective, harsh, cruel, serious)
7
cutting
7
gruff(adjective, hard, sharp, nasty)
7
hard-nosed(adjective, hard, tough, rough)
6
acrimonious(adjective, tough, harsh, cruel)
6
antagonistic(adjective, person, tough, harsh)
6
bitter(adjective, hard, tough, sharp)
6
critical
6
hardhearted(adjective, person, harsh, cruel)
6
oppressive(adjective, hard, tough, rough)
6
prudish(adjective, tough, firm, harsh)
6
set(adjective, tough, firm, honest)
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APASmart Define. (2016). stern thesaurus. Retrieved September 25, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/stern/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2016. "stern thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/stern/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 25, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2016, stern thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 25 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/stern/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "stern thesaurus" 24 March 2016. Web. 25 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/stern/thesaurus/synonyms>