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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
With regulatory sentiment shifting, banks hovering just below critical asset thresholds have gained confidence that plans to make bold moves into the next tier will not be thwarted by a draconian view of M&A.
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Michael Abbott, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
After twisting the arms of a few GOP holdouts, House leaders wrapped up the Big Beautiful Bill that includes massive tax cuts for the wealthy and draconian cuts to Medicaid and SNAP food assistance ahead of Trump’s July 4 deadline.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 3 July 2025
Leaders across Latin America have vowed to replicate El Salvador’s draconian tactics, which have brought murder rates down to record lows.
—semafor.com, 3 July 2025
And, in this new age of luxury-tax aprons and draconian penalties on excessive payrolls, a shift to the reality of complementary components now being vital in the void of rosters with third or fourth All-NBA contributors.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2025
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Michael Abbott, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
After twisting the arms of a few GOP holdouts, House leaders wrapped up the Big Beautiful Bill that includes massive tax cuts for the wealthy and draconian cuts to Medicaid and SNAP food assistance ahead of Trump’s July 4 deadline.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 3 July 2025
Leaders across Latin America have vowed to replicate El Salvador’s draconian tactics, which have brought murder rates down to record lows.
—semafor.com, 3 July 2025
And, in this new age of luxury-tax aprons and draconian penalties on excessive payrolls, a shift to the reality of complementary components now being vital in the void of rosters with third or fourth All-NBA contributors.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 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 15 Jul. 2025.
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