as in harsh
formal + disapproving
unnecessarily strict or severe
The editorial criticizes the draconian measures being taken to control the spread of the disease. draconian punishments
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Recent Examples of draconian
Over the past eight months, L.A. has suffered through two cataclysmic fires and has become a primary battle ground over the Trump Administration’s draconian immigration crackdown, which has led to city-wide protests.
—
Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
That draconian law compelled a few corporate leaders to take to the virtual town square.
—Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 30 July 2025
Such draconian measures are against the common good.
—Thomas Wenski, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2025
The letter objects to the space agency’s draconian budget and personnel cuts proposed by the White House.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
That draconian law compelled a few corporate leaders to take to the virtual town square.
—Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 30 July 2025
Such draconian measures are against the common good.
—Thomas Wenski, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2025
The letter objects to the space agency’s draconian budget and personnel cuts proposed by the White House.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for draconian
Adjective
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The former Calle 13 member impresses her sensitivity to this piece, originally written by Orlando Brito and popularized in 1975 by the great Héctor Lavoe, giving it new life with her powerful, dramatic voice, accompanied by street guitars and harsh, aggressive chords that captivate the listener.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
15 Aug. 2025
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While the comparison of slave babies being taken from their mommas, and immigrant children being separated from their parents might seem a bit harsh to some, the pain is the same.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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A day after a brutal collision with the railing near the camera well — and a camera — Freddy Fermin is back behind the plate and batting ninth in a lineup identical to Friday’s.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
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Launch control is a wild ride, equal parts fun and brutal, as all that boost sends the V-6 screaming.—
Jonny Lieberman,
Robb Report,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The film takes place in the sweltering heat of a Texas summer in 1974, watching as ruthless prisoner Federico Carrasco takes control of the Huntsville Penitentiary.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
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And, if hate doesn't come from inside the show itself, Black women are forced to endure online hate from ruthless fans.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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What was mostly missing was the occasional cool front that pushes out the most oppressive heat and humidity.—
Staff And Wire Reports,
Boston Herald,
10 Aug. 2025
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Philadelphia had 29 days, Washington had 27 days and Baltimore had 24 days where the highest dew point simmered to at least 75 degrees, which even the the weather service office in Tampa calls oppressive, according to weather service data.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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That is a particularly egregious example of how the Trump Administration has been gratuitously cruel to the Sudanese.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
5 Aug. 2025
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Stacy, Tim’s wife, also died of pancreatic cancer five months later in February of 2024, a cruel hand for a family that for years had gone above and beyond in their efforts to raise money and awareness for cancer research.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
3 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/draconian. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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