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
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Worse, some have swung to the opposite extreme, taking draconian stands on employee communications.
—
Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
Little wonder authoritarian states were spurred by the Arab Spring into enacting draconian internet controls.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Senate Democrats, who have not offered a road funding plan, say the House budget is built on draconian cuts to health care and other services and a road funding plan can be negotiated, along with the rest of the budget, from the proposals offered by Whitmer and the House GOP.
—Paul Egan, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Reading, for me, was a huge escape, and given the rather draconian rules around TV in our house, a fantastic way to pass the time.
—Literary Hub
september 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
Little wonder authoritarian states were spurred by the Arab Spring into enacting draconian internet controls.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Senate Democrats, who have not offered a road funding plan, say the House budget is built on draconian cuts to health care and other services and a road funding plan can be negotiated, along with the rest of the budget, from the proposals offered by Whitmer and the House GOP.
—Paul Egan, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Reading, for me, was a huge escape, and given the rather draconian rules around TV in our house, a fantastic way to pass the time.
—Literary Hub
september 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for draconian
Adjective
-
There's a lot of harsh words and harsh things that get said about people.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Applying it at the base of the plant before the first frost can protect the roots from harsh cold and keep the soil from freezing.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Recently, the vast majority have been coming from Sudan, embroiled in a brutal civil war which has displaced millions.—
Mick Krever,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Musically, Lee took on the air of a woman revealing intimate truths about herself one year at a time, shedding layers as a way of rewarding patience with honesty, no matter how brutal.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The ruthless conglomerate's logo, base, ships, and equipment are featured throughout the film, in addition to the synths themselves.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Earlier stories in that newspaper described López Torres as a ruthless trafficker who has killed dozens and was earlier aligned with Colombia’s right-wing paramilitary forces, known as the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, or the Spanish acronym AUC.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
These political executions are a callous attempt by the authorities to frighten and silence an increasingly restive population no longer willing to accept their corrupt and oppressive rule.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Unlike the oppressive governments that have been affiliated with the socialist movement, modern-day democratic socialism strictly advocates for policies that can be enacted without threatening the power of the people.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
That is unacceptably cruel, corrupt, and undemocratic.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Instead, she was stripped of her bronze medal after a late score inquiry—a ruling that still feels cruel for an athlete who had delivered the performance of her life.—
Essence,
Essence,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/draconian. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share