The English language offers plenty of synonyms for the phrase "less severe." Some alternatives include "milder," "gentler," "less intense," "less harsh," and "less extreme." These words describe something that is not as intense or damaging as it could be. For instance, a disease could be less severe if it has a milder form, or a punishment could be less harsh if it is reduced to a warning. "Less severe" can also be interpreted as meaning something is less serious, in which case words like "minor," "slight," "inconsequential," "trivial," and "insignificant" may be more appropriate synonyms.