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
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Recent Examples of draconian
Opting to use draconian eye shadow was a no-brainer for Freedman and Zeta-Jones.
—
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 July 2025
Over the past eight months, L.A. has suffered through two cataclysmic fires and has become a primary battle ground over the Trump Administration’s draconian immigration crackdown, which has led to city-wide protests.
—Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
That draconian law compelled a few corporate leaders to take to the virtual town square.
—Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 30 July 2025
Such draconian measures are against the common good.
—Thomas Wenski, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 July 2025
Over the past eight months, L.A. has suffered through two cataclysmic fires and has become a primary battle ground over the Trump Administration’s draconian immigration crackdown, which has led to city-wide protests.
—Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
That draconian law compelled a few corporate leaders to take to the virtual town square.
—Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 30 July 2025
Such draconian measures are against the common good.
—Thomas Wenski, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for draconian
Adjective
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Our test vehicle was also equipped with the aforementioned Precision Package, and while the suspension tuning is noticeably firmer than that of the standard Blackwing, its ride quality still isn’t as harsh as the latest M5 around town and out on the highway.—
Bradley Iger,
Robb Report,
27 Aug. 2025
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The move to question Europe’s harsh CO2 curtailment rules coincides with Trump Administration efforts to terminate rules based on the case that CO2 is a danger to public health These rules form the basis for U.S. greenhouse gas regulations.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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After being relegated to the bench as his season spirals out of control, shortstop Anthony Volpe returned to the lineup against the Washington Nationals, only for his issues at the plate to reach a brutal new low.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Aug. 2025
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Friends can lie, colleagues can backstab, anyone can die in any number of brutal ways.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Sweeney stars as Penny Jo, a South Dakota diner waitress with an appealing smile, an ingratiating stammer, a scarf in her hair, and deep reserves of ruthless ambition.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Aug. 2025
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Early in his career, Trump apprenticed himself to Roy Cohn, an unprincipled lawyer who taught the young Donald how to gain wealth and influence through ruthless bullying, profane braggadocio, opportunistic bigotry, baseless lawsuits, lying, and more lying.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Forceful change to address an oppressive boardroom dynamic may be necessary.—
Michael Peregrine,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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The oppressive heat certainly affected spectators and stadium staff.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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As Wallace and Gromit investigate this mysterious thief, their paths cross with the cruel, trigger-happy Lord Victor Quartermaine (Ralph Fiennes), who has his own ambitions for the competition and Wallace’s love interest, Lady Tottington (Helena Bonham Carter).—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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The series centers on a group of kids with latent or emerging special abilities who are subjected to cruel experiments at the mysterious institute of the title, along with a local cop (Ben Barnes) whose story intersects with that of the kids.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/draconian. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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