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
Recently, the same law has been invoked against Pashtun rights advocates in Pakistan and celebrated Indian author Arundhati Roy, who now also faces terrorism charges under India's draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
—
Stephen Townley, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
That being said, the news is filled with articles about schools in similar predicaments taking more draconian measures or even being forced to close.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2025
Argentina is still trying to recover investors’ confidence, even after President Javier Milei started making draconian free market reforms in 2024.
—Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025
That measure, which polls say is very unpopular with voters, enacted draconian cuts to health care spending to bankroll tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Stephen Townley, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
That being said, the news is filled with articles about schools in similar predicaments taking more draconian measures or even being forced to close.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2025
Argentina is still trying to recover investors’ confidence, even after President Javier Milei started making draconian free market reforms in 2024.
—Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025
That measure, which polls say is very unpopular with voters, enacted draconian cuts to health care spending to bankroll tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for draconian
Adjective
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Oysters inspired the researchers because of their remarkable ability to attach to rocks, bridge pilings, or even each other in the harsh underwater environment.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
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But the rules of the Long Walk are harsh and the stakes could not be higher.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Take the quiz here … KICKED TO THE CURB – Super Bowl hero cut from 49ers roster after brutal Week 1 performance.—
,
FOXNews.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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While released, Horton committed another horrific crime – a brutal home invasion and rape.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Tracey recalls how her ruthless daughter sought revenge on her father, classmates and Laura.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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In the epic Emperor Kisra (Kingsley) has a reputation for being utterly ruthless.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Its pace is slow — occasionally, but rarely, to its detriment — but this clearly deliberate tempo gives you the chance to shoulder the burdens of its oppressive atmosphere and settle into its many puzzles, which regularly trade logic for personal interpretation, and occasionally just vibes.—
Matt Gardner,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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This process includes questioning the logics and myths that uphold the status quo and calling out oppression as part of the struggle toward an anti-oppressive future.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The cruel irony is that the very systems designed to promote inclusion can inadvertently reinforce exclusion.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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And of course, to serve as cruel juxtaposition, deGrom retired the Mets in order in the bottom of the inning on just six pitches.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/draconian. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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