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.
Everett gambled away his severance. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026 Robinhood expects to take around $20 million in charges for severance and benefits costs. — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 16 June 2026 About $122,000 of the severance had been paid when the payment was uncovered by the city investigation and canceled. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2026 Wynn-Williams is asking the court to vacate the Interim Award that bars her from promoting her book and to declare her severance agreement unenforceable, among other things. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 25 June 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
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Cite this Entry

“Severance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/severance. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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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

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