| Rating | Solver | Clue |
|---|---|---|
| STIFFER | More severe | |
| STERNER | More severe | |
| STRICTER | More severe | |
| AGGRAVATE | To make worse, or more severe; to render less tolerable or less excusable; to make more offensive; to enhance; to intensify. | |
| ORDINARILY | According to established rules or settled method; as a rule; commonly; usually; in most cases; as, a winter more than ordinarily severe. | |
| RELENT | To become less severe or intense; to become less hard, harsh, cruel, or the like; to soften in temper; to become more mild and tender; to feel compassion. | |