The term 'more severe' can be defined by the crossword solutions of 'HARSHER', 'WORSE', 'stiffer', 'acuter', and 'STRICTER'. HARSHER means to be more severe or intense in terms of punishment, criticism, or treatment. WORSE implies a greater degree of badness, difficulty, or unpleasantness. Stiffer suggests a greater degree of rigidity or severity. Acuter implies a greater degree of sharpness or intensity. Lastly, STRICTER implies a greater degree of stringency or severity. All of these words are related to the term 'more severe' and can be used to describe a situation that is more intense or difficult than before.