Synonyms of draconian

draconian

adjective

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

Related Words

• harsh
• brutal
• ruthless
• oppressive
• cruel
• grim
• merciless
• vicious
• barbaric
• inhumane
• inhuman
• sadistic
• draconic
• barbarous
• heavy-handed
• savage
• heartless
• atrocious
• brute
• fiendish
• truculent
• pitiless
• ferocious
• hardhanded
• unfeeling
• butcherly
• murderous
• wanton
• malicious
• bloodthirsty
• hard-hearted
• vindictive
• sanguinary
• hateful
• malevolent
• malignant
• ironhearted
• spiteful
• cutthroat
• sanguine
• stonyhearted
• fell
• malign
• nasty
• mean
• despiteful
• catty

Dissimilar Words

• warm
• lenient
• merciful
• charitable
• tender
• pitying
• peaceful
• benign
• sympathetic
• peaceable
• warmhearted
• humane
• kind
• pacific
• compassionate
• clement
• kindhearted
• benignant
• good-hearted
• tenderhearted

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of draconian

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

But the work sparked controversy when some lawmakers — along with alcohol industry trade groups — claimed the scientists were biased against alcohol and would reach a conclusion with draconian implications. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 9 June 2026

Satrapi, who was nine years old when Pahlavi was toppled and Ayatollah Khomeini came to power in 1979, recounted her experiences growing up under the latter’s draconian government in the graphic novel Persepolis. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 June 2026

Maybe not stuck in an urban jam, dodging potholes or crawling amid draconian speed limits – but out there on the open road, taking sunny corners in a nice car? — New Atlas, 29 May 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!