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
Owing to the draconian length of Timothy’s sentencing, and also to Rosemary’s newfound mediagenic powers, the vast majority of outlets sympathized with the Learys.
—
Susannah Cahalan, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025
Deep cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the elimination of the Department of Education debilitate the nation's capacity to recover from such draconian, poverty-increasing measures.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
In fact, jumping through so many hoops to avoid identifying trans people as such made the policy even more draconian, according to Reyes.
—Samantha Riedel, Them, 20 Mar. 2025
Despite Idaho having some of the most draconian cannabis laws in the United States, where possession of even small amounts is a misdemeanor, public sentiment is becoming increasingly favorable toward medical cannabis.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Susannah Cahalan, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025
Deep cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the elimination of the Department of Education debilitate the nation's capacity to recover from such draconian, poverty-increasing measures.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
In fact, jumping through so many hoops to avoid identifying trans people as such made the policy even more draconian, according to Reyes.
—Samantha Riedel, Them, 20 Mar. 2025
Despite Idaho having some of the most draconian cannabis laws in the United States, where possession of even small amounts is a misdemeanor, public sentiment is becoming increasingly favorable toward medical cannabis.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for draconian
Adjective
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This garment gets exposed to harsher conditions than most clothing.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
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More precipitation in these locations could make up for the harsh cold season.—
Jordan-Marie Smith,
NPR,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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When local Officer and single mother Dana Cypress is unexpectedly thrown into the center of a brutal murder mystery of her own, she’s left to make sense of the chaos amidst a town gripped by fear and confusion where everyone, alive or undead, is a suspect.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
12 May 2025
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Bruno Silva via first-round KO This finish was absolutely brutal.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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Wes Anderson is talking about a surreal moment that occurs early in his latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, in which the protagonist, the ruthless international tycoon Zsa-Zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro), experiences a vision of the afterlife.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
18 May 2025
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Ralph Fiennes will play the ruthless Panem dictator in director Francis Lawrence‘s forthcoming film in the franchise, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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That this sincere notion dovetails with an itch to vacate her dour, oppressive home only adds to her determination.—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
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To be sure, Florida had its attractions, one of which was the sunny weather, although air conditioning was still rare at the time, and the heat and humidity could be oppressive for much of the year.—
Greg Daugherty,
Smithsonian Magazine,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Scheifele’s emotional and inspirational decision to play mere hours after his father’s unexpected death — to play for his dad, to play because of his dad — ended in cruel fashion, with Scheifele helpless in the penalty box.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
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At first the program seems to be benign, but Hayakawa’s film steadily reveals how the policy thrives on the cruel capitalist tenet that people are disposable.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/draconian. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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