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 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 The federal Fifth Circuit appeals court agreed with Louisiana and imposed draconian new restrictions on Friday. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for draconian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for draconian
  1. harsh
  2. brutal
  3. ruthless
  4. oppressive
  5. cruel
Adjective
  • In both premise and execution, the show is hugely reminiscent of the Showtime series of the aughts and early 2010s that featured women in harsh circumstances going to extremes in order to get one over on a society that didn’t care about them.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Although he would not be drawn on future product pricing, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are set for release in September and will be affected by the harsh trading conditions.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • And, as the Punisher, Frank is known to enact particularly brutal, bloody vengeance.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • After opening the season on the big-league roster and then suffering a demotion after a brutal debut, Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter could be poised to make a stunning return to the mound against the Orioles.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of brutal
Adjective
  • The author's personal journey highlights how ruthless prioritization, risk management, and resourcefulness, born from necessity, became foundations for financial stability.
    — Kristin Vance Richards, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • In Season 2, the ruthless, backstabbing family behind a beauty brand — and an underground trafficking ring — will face a reckoning.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 July 2026
Definition of ruthless
Adjective
  • The trope, fair or not, has often overshadowed the fact that science fiction and horror are absolutely perfect bedfellows, with outer space's total isolation, tiny quarters, and oppressive vastness perfectly suited for the horror genre.
    — Matthew Razak, Space.com, 26 July 2026
  • Crews are working nonstop to meet Mayor Karen Bass’ mid-August deadline to clear out 85 million pounds of food that continues to rot in oppressive heat.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of oppressive
Adjective
  • Who could be so cruel as to cut off their family from the family plan?
    — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Influencer culture didn’t exist yet, but some designers were cruel and catty, even without the current omnipresent evil of social media.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
Definition of cruel

Browse Nearby Words

drabs
draconian
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Cite this Entry

“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/draconian. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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