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Draconian comes from Drakōn, the name (later Latinized as Draco) of a 7th-century B.C. Athenian legislator who created a written code of law. Drakōn’s code was intended to clarify existing laws, but its severity is what made it really memorable. According to the code, even minor offenses were punishable by death, and failure to pay one's debts could result in slavery. Draconian, as a result, is used especially for authoritative actions that are viewed as cruel or harsh.
Examples of draconian in a Sentence
The editorial criticizes the draconian measures being taken to control the spread of the disease.
Recent Examples on the Web
Senate Democrats, who have not offered a road funding plan, say the House budget is built on draconian cuts to health care and other services and a road funding plan can be negotiated, along with the rest of the budget, from the proposals offered by Whitmer and the House GOP.
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Paul Egan, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Reading, for me, was a huge escape, and given the rather draconian rules around TV in our house, a fantastic way to pass the time.
—Literary Hub
september 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
The bill also may require Democratic support in the Senate to overcome a filibuster, which may limit Republican lawmakers’ ability to impose draconian cuts.
—Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Recently, the same law has been invoked against Pashtun rights advocates in Pakistan and celebrated Indian author Arundhati Roy, who now also faces terrorism charges under India's draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
—Stephen Townley, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
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Paul Egan, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Reading, for me, was a huge escape, and given the rather draconian rules around TV in our house, a fantastic way to pass the time.
—Literary Hub
september 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
The bill also may require Democratic support in the Senate to overcome a filibuster, which may limit Republican lawmakers’ ability to impose draconian cuts.
—Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Recently, the same law has been invoked against Pashtun rights advocates in Pakistan and celebrated Indian author Arundhati Roy, who now also faces terrorism charges under India's draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
—Stephen Townley, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Cite this Entry
“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/draconian. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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