draconian

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.

Nevertheless, the city council has proposed draconian measures to raise business costs even further, requiring one employee for every three self-checkout lanes and a 15-item maximum at self-checkout.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

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

"Too many!" interjects Sandy, who was not thrilled about having to park far from the village centre just to go grocery shopping -- security is even more draconian with US President Donald Trump arriving Wednesday.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

Importantly, though, the decision does not dismantle the draconian framework for seeking renewed appeal.

From Slate • Jan. 10, 2026

The regime he imposed was draconian: He subtracted the labor that kept Pennsylvania’s inmates occupied during the day in their cells, as well as the opportunity they had for daily exercise.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover