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
Here’s hoping the real-life couple’s big day went more smoothly than Elizabeth and Henry’s Season 5 vow renewal, which took place at an Arizona jail after she was arrested for speaking out against draconian family separation policies at the United States border.
—
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 15 July 2025
The harsh penalty echoed the Secret Service’s draconian view of counterfeiting.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
These draconian policies are being pushed forward in order to fund massive tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.
—Emma Pinter, Denver Post, 2 July 2025
With regulatory sentiment shifting, banks hovering just below critical asset thresholds have gained confidence that plans to make bold moves into the next tier will not be thwarted by a draconian view of M&A.
—Michael Abbott, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 15 July 2025
The harsh penalty echoed the Secret Service’s draconian view of counterfeiting.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
These draconian policies are being pushed forward in order to fund massive tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.
—Emma Pinter, Denver Post, 2 July 2025
With regulatory sentiment shifting, banks hovering just below critical asset thresholds have gained confidence that plans to make bold moves into the next tier will not be thwarted by a draconian view of M&A.
—Michael Abbott, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for draconian
Adjective
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The harsh reality is this: not all cell phone forensic extractions are created equal, and the most important evidence for trucking cases on the smartphone will be gone in days or weeks.—
Lars Daniel,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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Late-night talk shows across the board are facing the harsh reality that declines in ad revenue can’t make up for burgeoning production costs.—
Liam Reilly,
CNN Money,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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According to an arrest affidavit obtained by USA Today, the 21-year-old approached a woman from behind at a self-checkout lane at a Walmart in Tennessee, and launched into a brutal attack.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
23 July 2025
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This created a growing population of vulnerable, undocumented workers in the 1960s and ’70s who increasingly faced brutal apprehensions.—
Jimmy Patino,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Son Hee is one half of a ruthless twin assassin duo, working alongside his brother Bacho.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
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Her 6-0, 6-0 rout at the hands of a ruthless Iga Świątek was a reminder that no sport is more psychologically brutal than tennis.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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In many areas along and east of the Mississippi River, heat index values could soar to between 110 and 115 degrees — the kind of oppressive heat that can quickly turn dangerous without proper precautions.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
23 July 2025
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Generally, when dew point values climb into the 70s, the heat becomes a nuisance and feels oppressive.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Each of us should demand our local leaders challenge every one of the immoral and cruel state laws and the Gestapo-like raids and inhumane detainments carried out by ICE agents.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
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Even critics who considered his policies cruel and racist – and there were many – admitted that behind the bluster there was the charm of a true believer.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/draconian. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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