draconian

adjective

Definition of draconiannext
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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of draconian Some inside the ruling establishment have been pushing for the draconian enforcement of the Islamic dress code. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Under Kennedy’s leadership, the FDA and CDC have both suffered draconian budget cuts and been drained of experienced career staff who know best how to identify, respond to, and effectively inform the public about such outbreaks. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2026 Afghan Taliban authorities have imposed draconian restrictions on women and girls, including bans on education beyond primary school and on working in all but very few professions, as well as strict regulations on what women are allowed to wear in public. — ABC News, 23 June 2026 Policymakers defend draconian cuts to Medicaid by maligning the work ethic or honesty of low-income women, despite substantial evidence to the contrary. — Jocelyn Frye, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for draconian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for draconian
  1. harsh
  2. brutal
  3. ruthless
  4. oppressive
  5. cruel
Adjective
  • The documentary spotlighted some harsh criticisms of the show and of Banks.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Now, amid the harsh reality of NBA life for those on the fringes, Thompson is off to the security of a contract in Serbia, to play in the EuroLeague.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • The Braves have Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy atop their catching depth chart, but a brutal injury setback involving veteran backstop Sandy Leon has now forced the organization to seek out another experienced option.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Micron, as well as South Korea's SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics — the world's three major DRAM producers — had competed largely on price, contributing to the brutal boom-and-bust cycles that have long characterized the industry.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of brutal
Adjective
  • However, claiming his birthright means surviving the Renaissance’s most ruthless rival — his own family, who refuse to accept him.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The higher Arsenal climb, the finer those margins become, and the more ruthless Arteta and Arsenal may have to be.
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of ruthless
Adjective
  • However, a time has come where the weight of those dreams and ambitions has become surprisingly oppressive.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026
  • About the jail conditions The Sunday afternoon heat surrounding volunteers contrasts with what detainees describe as an oppressive cold inside.
    — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of oppressive
Adjective
  • Oleksa watches them from the other end of the camera feed, in the middle of a gnarly interrogation with Kyle and Cruz — the latter silently watching Oleksa go through a cruel facsimile of her own violent recruitment crucible in the first season.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Murder charge 'cruel and unusual,' advocate says Of cases where a child was unknowingly left in a car, about 41% do not lead to criminal charges against caregivers, Rollins said.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of cruel

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Cite this Entry

“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/draconian. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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