heavy-handed

adjective

heavy-hand·​ed ˈhe-vē-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce heavy-handed (audio)
heavy-handedly adverb
heavy-handedness noun

Examples of heavy-handed in a Sentence

the new manager's heavy-handed approach soon had employees turning in their letters of resignation felt heavy-handed and awkward when holding the newborn infant
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mishra then abruptly juxtaposes a scene from Gaza, flush with heavy-handed language that bludgeons home his comparison. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025 His second victory has revived fears that Trump would seize MPD, then order it to be heavy-handed on city streets. Cuneyt Dil, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025 While Bobby is pretty heavy-handed in its message and delivery, any child of the ’90s would consider its standout scene to be the one between Moore’s Virginia and Sharon Stone’s beautician, Miriam. Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025 Another example of Trump’s heavy-handed approach this time has been his handling of criminal charges against supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heavy-handed was in 1647

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heavy-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavy-handed. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

heavy-handed

adjective
heavy-hand·​ed
ˌhev-ē-ˈhan-dəd
1
2
: severe or harsh in dealing with others

More from Merriam-Webster on heavy-handed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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