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
In honor of the exciting moment, the star chose to do something drastic—chop and dye her waist-skimming locks.
—
Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
But for a team that has had such drastic swings in five-on-five efficacy, Detroit is going to need to rely on consistent contributions from the power play.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, Sweeney’s drastic hair transformation had beauty mavens buzzing.
—Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2025
Both processors were competitive, and neither gained a drastic upper hand, save for some specific tasks.
—PC Magazine, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for drastic
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Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
But for a team that has had such drastic swings in five-on-five efficacy, Detroit is going to need to rely on consistent contributions from the power play.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, Sweeney’s drastic hair transformation had beauty mavens buzzing.
—Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2025
Both processors were competitive, and neither gained a drastic upper hand, save for some specific tasks.
—PC Magazine, 25 Oct. 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 3 Nov. 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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