| Rating | Solver | Clue |
|---|---|---|
| STERN | Severe | |
| DRASTIC | Severe | |
| ACUTE | Severe | |
| AUSTERE | Severe | |
| STRICT | Severe | |
| INCLEMENT | Severe | |
| HARSH | Severe | |
| EXTREME | Severe | |
| DISTRESS | Severe (pain) | |
| STIFFER | More severe | |
| TAILSPIN | Severe downturn | |
| MIGRAINE | Severe headache | |
| STERNER | More severe | |
| RIOTACT | Severe dressing-down | |
| STRICTER | More severe | |
| EVILS | Severe wrongs | |
| CONDEMNATION | Severe reproach | |
| CASTIGATOR | Severe critic | |
| STERNEST | Most severe | |
| WORST | Most severe | |
| AGONY | Severe pain | |
| ANGUISH | Severe pain | |
| ORDEAL | Severe test | |
| ASTRINGENT | Severe; sharp | |
| DRACONIAN | Cruelly severe | |