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
Trump’s issuance of severe restrictions on public health agencies this week may signal such draconian moves by his appointees in the future.
—
Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, millions of borrowers are stuck in a forced forbearance, while others remain in default and are about to experience the draconian collections powers of the federal government.
—Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Immigration advocates are especially concerned that Republicans will continue to push draconian enforcement bills under cover of isolated criminal incidents, forcing Democrats to take votes that could be spun as unsympathetic to individual victims of crime.
—Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025
Many see its actions as neocolonial, including its imposition of draconian conditions on trade and investment deals and its heavy-handed diplomacy across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for draconian 
Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, millions of borrowers are stuck in a forced forbearance, while others remain in default and are about to experience the draconian collections powers of the federal government.
—Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Immigration advocates are especially concerned that Republicans will continue to push draconian enforcement bills under cover of isolated criminal incidents, forcing Democrats to take votes that could be spun as unsympathetic to individual victims of crime.
—Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025
Many see its actions as neocolonial, including its imposition of draconian conditions on trade and investment deals and its heavy-handed diplomacy across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for draconian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for draconian
Adjective
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That question is particularly pointed in the case of the U. of C. Will its promotion of freedom of expression and inquiry prove in the end to have been a marketing strategy that can be discarded in the face of harsh political realities?—
Jamie Kalven,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Feb. 2025
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These durable, lidded resin containers are designed to keep items dry and safe from harsh winter weather.—
Jené Luciani Sena,
Fox News,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This is why Sisi is still in power and why the West turned a blind eye to his brutal post-Arab Spring power grab.—
Nic Robertson,
CNN,
5 Feb. 2025
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The drop in shootings was bolstered by a five-day streak with no shooting victims that coincided with a brutal cold snap, officials said.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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They are expected to manage the roster with a little more thought paid to player welfare and a little less thought paid to marginal gains and ruthless efficiency.—
Andrew Baggarly,
The Athletic,
30 Jan. 2025
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Since the regime fell, the evidence of a ruthless police state has grown overwhelming.—
Ian Crouch,
The New Yorker,
28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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That, plus an economic system and society that abide by inadequate low-income wages, lack of national health care, oppressive housing and rent practices, and more.—
Kevin Fagan,
TIME,
4 Feb. 2025
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The Assad dynasty’s autocratic rule in Syria was marked by decades of fighting, bloodshed and oppressive political crackdown.—
Eyad Kourdi,
CNN,
31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But his cruel divisiveness is deflecting attention from the main event.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
29 Jan. 2025
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Banek has requested the Illinois Department of Public Health probe the cruel death, also asking that all evidence associated with the case be preserved.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near draconian
Cite this Entry
“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/draconian. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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