drastic
Far beyond moderate
Drastic describes actions or measures that are severe, extreme, or far-reaching in effect.
A drastic change is sudden and dramatic; drastic measures are aggressive responses to serious problems: The company took drastic steps to cut costs.
The word often implies necessity—drastic action suggests the situation demanded nothing less.
Furthest from moderate
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
- severeExtremely harsh or strict
- stringentSeverely exact and demanding
- draconianExtremely harsh, especially laws
rigorous · stern · strict · tough · austere · uncompromising · inflexible · punitive
Extensive and far-reaching
- revolutionarySeeking fundamental systemic change
- overhaulComplete systematic repair
- restructuringRearranging an existing framework
- upheavalViolent disturbance of order
reinvention · sea-change · metamorphosis · transformation · reformation · shift · conversion · remodeling
Furthest from moderate
- profoundIntensely meaningful or insightful
- acuteIntensely severe or perceptive
- excessiveSurpassing reasonable bounds
- overwhelmingIntensely excessive in force
pronounced · marked · significant · considerable · substantial · massive · enormous · major
Serious sudden danger
- desperateDriven by urgent need
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
immediate · precipitate · sudden · abrupt · rash · hasty · impetuous · last-ditch
Causing sudden surprise
- jarringDisturbingly incongruous
- alarmingProvoking fear or anxiety
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
- dramaticStrikingly expressive or sudden
striking · bombshell · eye-opening · jaw-dropping · sensational · unprecedented · unthinkable · unforeseen
extreme
Furthest from moderate
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
- severeExtremely harsh or strict
- stringentSeverely exact and demanding
draconian · rigorous · stern · strict · tough · austere · uncompromising · inflexible · punitive · exacting
sweeping
Extensive and far-reaching
- revolutionarySeeking fundamental systemic change
- overhaulComplete systematic repair
- restructuringRearranging an existing framework
upheaval · reinvention · sea-change · metamorphosis · transformation · reformation · shift · conversion · remodeling · alteration
extreme
Furthest from moderate
- profoundIntensely meaningful or insightful
- acuteIntensely severe or perceptive
- excessiveSurpassing reasonable bounds
overwhelming · pronounced · marked · significant · considerable · substantial · massive · enormous · major · serious
emergency
Serious sudden danger
- desperateDriven by urgent need
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
crisis · immediate · precipitate · sudden · abrupt · rash · hasty · impetuous · last-ditch · eleventh-hour
startling
Causing sudden surprise
- jarringDisturbingly incongruous
- alarmingProvoking fear or anxiety
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
dramatic · striking · bombshell · eye-opening · jaw-dropping · sensational · unprecedented · unthinkable · unforeseen · unexpected
drasticgradual
Developing slowly over time
incremental · slow · progressive · phased · step-by-step
drasticcautious
Careful to avoid risk
conservative · restrained · careful · prudent · tentative
- drastic purgativeStrong bowel-emptying medicine