draconic

adjective

Definition of draconicnext
as in draconian

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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 draconic The Shadow Bringer was sleeping in a canopied bed, cloaked in shadow, obsidian armor and his typical draconic mask with its caged jaw. — Lizz Schumer, People.com, 28 July 2025 The complications include a tourbillon, perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and a complex celestial and astronomical system that indicates three lunar month displays that include the synodic, draconic, and anomalistic cycles. — Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024 In the popular roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons, a five-headed, draconic deity bears the goddess’ name. — Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for draconic
  1. draconian
  2. oppressive
  3. barbarous
  4. sadistic
  5. brutal
  6. harsh
  7. inhuman
  8. cruel
Adjective
  • Some inside the ruling establishment have been pushing for the draconian enforcement of the Islamic dress code.
    — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
  • Under Kennedy’s leadership, the FDA and CDC have both suffered draconian budget cuts and been drained of experienced career staff who know best how to identify, respond to, and effectively inform the public about such outbreaks.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2026
Definition of draconian
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
  • The chaos in Ithaca may be political and ethical—a violation of custom—but stretches of the poem are barbarous and wild, beyond civilized life altogether.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
  • Seeking to eliminate Berber forces in the barren mountains of northern Morocco, seven soldiers obediently follow their fanatical sergeant (Víctor Clavijo) into barbarous depths of depravity.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 16 May 2026
Definition of barbarous
Adjective
  • The 76ers didn’t even desperately need him, which makes Myers waltzing into free agency and pulling off this casual heist even more delightfully sadistic.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
  • He was executed for the sadistic death of his wife in front of her teenage son in 1992 in Orange County.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Definition of sadistic
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
  • 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
  • The State Department had designated and sanctioned Ghezel Hesar Prison in 2024 for gross human rights violations and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of prisoners.
    — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
  • Federal authorities have subjected record numbers of immigrants to mandatory detention, including in inhuman and degrading conditions, while gutting internal oversight mechanisms.
    — Minky Worden, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of inhuman
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

draconian
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Cite this Entry

“Draconic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/draconic. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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