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
What is clear, however, are the draconian conditions to which the Salvadoran inmates at CECOT are subjected.
—
Eric Cortellessa, Time, 10 June 2025
The House bill's draconian cuts to renewable energy pose particular threats to rooftop and community solar.
—Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
However, this is not surprising on the heels of DOGE plans to cut up to 25% of the IRS staff including draconian cuts to the IRS’ Criminal Investigations unit which plays an essential role in combating drug and human trafficking, terrorism, tax crimes, financial crimes and money laundering.
—Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
China’s regulatory framework and especially its draconian rules regarding data transfers are anathema to foreign partners.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Eric Cortellessa, Time, 10 June 2025
The House bill's draconian cuts to renewable energy pose particular threats to rooftop and community solar.
—Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
However, this is not surprising on the heels of DOGE plans to cut up to 25% of the IRS staff including draconian cuts to the IRS’ Criminal Investigations unit which plays an essential role in combating drug and human trafficking, terrorism, tax crimes, financial crimes and money laundering.
—Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
China’s regulatory framework and especially its draconian rules regarding data transfers are anathema to foreign partners.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for draconian
Adjective
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Some of them include washing with harsh shampoos, particularly those with sulfates or alcohol; overusing scalp scrubs or clarifying products; and not washing frequently enough.—
Jamie Wilson,
Glamour,
16 June 2025
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Unlike many traditional sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate—two common culprits behind coral bleaching—reef-safe formulas skip the harsh stuff in favor of ocean-friendly alternatives that tend to also be gentler on sensitive skin.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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That was a brutal era of NBA basketball where the winning final score sometimes didn’t hit 80.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 June 2025
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Jasmin Paris, who in 2024 became one of only 20 people ever to finish the brutal 100-mile Barkley Marathons race in under 60 hours —while pumping breast milk.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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Confronting Iran’s ruthless campaign of terror, nuclear ambitions, and regional aggression demands strength, resolve, and strategic clarity.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
21 June 2025
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Michael Fassbender plays the deceased Apple guru — a flawed, ruthless, but ultimately compassionate soul.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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The decision to leave Iran was driven by the oppressive changes following the Iranian Revolution in 1979 concerning the treatment of women.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2025
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In April 1989, pro-democracy students began protesting against the Chinese Communist government’s oppressive restrictions on freedom of speech and democratic values.—
Michelle Steel,
Oc Register,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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What is a totalitarian leader other than an individualist taking that creed to its cruel conclusions, erasing the uniqueness of every other person into mere characters in a drama?—
Ed Simon
June 23,
Literary Hub,
23 June 2025
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This realization reconfigures the entire book, recasting their ongoing dialogue and seemingly cordial relations as an interstellar jail—and the novel itself into an extended, especially cruel prison sentence.—
Robert Rubsam,
The Atlantic,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/draconian. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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