DRACONIAN Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

draconian

adjective

Definition of draconian

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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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 Ali Riaz, a professor of political science at Illinois State University, said the uprising was a response to Hasina's decades-long draconian rule. — Shamim Chowdhury, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026 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 Afghan Taliban authorities have imposed draconian restrictions on women and girls, including bans on education beyond primary school and on working in all but very few professions, as well as strict regulations on what women are allowed to wear in public. — ABC News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for draconian

Recent Examples of Synonyms for draconian

Adjective

Scott London Every year, Black Rock City appears on a dry lakebed in one of Nevada’s harshest areas, then disappears just as fast.

— Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Hig has bunkered down with a grouchy companion, Bangley (Josh Brolin), who thrives in this harsh world.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of harsh

Adjective

He was always destined to follow in the footsteps of another tyrannical, ruthless Don – Michael Corleone.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
Ink finds the Sinners star playing ruthless tabloid editor Larry Lamb in Boyle’s retelling of what happened when Rupert Murdoch acquired struggling British newspaper The Sun.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of ruthless

Adjective

In Atlanta, high temps are expected in the mid-90s on Friday, and the humidity will make the heat feel more oppressive.

— Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Such tools for combating oppressive heat look prescient now, but Stierli isn’t impressed; Tropical Modernism was sensitive to the region’s climate but not to its culture.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of oppressive

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drabs

draconian

draconic

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“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/draconian. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of draconian

adjective

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