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Showing results for draconian. Search instead for drachenbahnen.
Definitions

draconian

[drey-koh-nee-uhn, druh-] / dreɪˈkoʊ ni ən, drə- /
ADJECTIVE
harsh
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cruel drastic heavy-handed oppressive severe strict
WEAK
brutal exorbitant extreme rough very severe
Antonyms
STRONGEST
easy gentle mild permissive temperate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Everything fell: oil prices, the dollar, even gold, because investors were shocked by how unsophisticated and draconian the policy was.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

The Ulster Farmers' Union said "draconian planning rules" were hampering some farmers in their efforts to modernise and ease the challenges they face in managing nutrients on farms.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

Human Rights Watch has condemned the AL ban as "draconian".

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

The Tour’s board is majority players at this point, and some wanted more draconian punishment for Koepka than others.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

They invented sins that would satisfy teachers without provoking draconian punishment.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden