1
: acting rapidly or violently
a drastic purgative
2
: extreme in effect or action : severe
drastic measures
made drastic changes
Examples of drastic in a Sentence
The situation calls for drastic measures.
Maybe we should try something less drastic first.
Recent Examples on the Web
For Colorado, the bill means drastic changes to state finances that may require lawmakers to return to the Capitol in the coming months to deal with the fallout.
—
Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 10 July 2025
Start logging your trips and immediately begin earning rewards
Enjoy peace of mind with the Guaranteed Ride Home program
A Simple Change, Big Rewards
Commuting smarter doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes.
—Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
But shortly after taking office, Reeves declared that a £22 billion ($30 billion) black hole in the country’s finances meant drastic measures would be necessary.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Everyone else seemed pretty excited about their makeovers, and there weren’t any drastic changes planned.
—Sarah Hartshorne, Vulture, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for drastic
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Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 10 July 2025
Start logging your trips and immediately begin earning rewards
Enjoy peace of mind with the Guaranteed Ride Home program
A Simple Change, Big Rewards
Commuting smarter doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes.
—Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
But shortly after taking office, Reeves declared that a £22 billion ($30 billion) black hole in the country’s finances meant drastic measures would be necessary.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Everyone else seemed pretty excited about their makeovers, and there weren’t any drastic changes planned.
—Sarah Hartshorne, Vulture, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for drastic
Cite this Entry
“Drastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drastic. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
drastic
1 of 2 adjective
dras·tic
ˈdras-tik 
: acting rapidly or violently
—used chiefly of purgatives
drastic
2 of 2 noun
: a powerful medicinal agent
especially
: a strong purgative
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