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.
Meg Scheding learned from an attorney friend to negotiate her severance agreement after she was laid off in 2018 months after giving birth. — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 And if your employer offers you a severance agreement, don't just sign it automatically. — William Phillips, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Kavanagh further claims she is owed £755,752 ($1 million) in severance payments. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 Selberg will retain the same health insurance coverage for a year and Collierville will deduct from his severance payments. — Corey Davis, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 27 Aug. 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

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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 3 Sep. 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

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