DRACONIAN Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

draconian

adjective

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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 Democrats will shriek about draconian spending cuts, but the instructions the House has given are modest — really, too modest, if the goal is to change the long-run trajectory of the federal debt. —The Editors, National Review, 27 Feb. 2025 When the documentary begins, the network still operates freely in Russia but is subject to draconian guidelines, one requiring that a message be broadcast before each program stating that everything is lies spread by foreign agents. —Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025 Fortunately, there is a way to make such withholding much less draconian—and for most legitimate private investors, at least those not based in China, innocuous. —Alex Raskolnikov, Foreign Affairs, 19 Feb. 2025 This draconian action will increase the workload and place new responsibilities on a workforce that is already stretched thin. —Kathryn Krupnik, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for draconian

Recent Examples of Synonyms for draconian

Adjective

Each of our pieces is a symbol of resilience, proving that creativity can thrive even under the harshest circumstances.

— Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
The Patriots are paying for potential more than immediate production, so the F grade feels harsh.

— Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025