heavy-handed
adjective
heavy-hand·ed
ˈhe-vē-ˈhan-dəd 
1
: clumsy
2
: oppressive, harsh
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
Orlando Sentinel Historically, the heavy-handed lobbying tactics have been effective with both parties.
—
Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2025
Many point out that while his concerns about academics and responsibilities are valid, his approach was heavy-handed and unfair — especially toward the girlfriend.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
The paper also raises the possibility that AGI could accumulate more and more control over economic and political systems, perhaps by devising heavy-handed tariff schemes.
—Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025
Related Stories Trump’s Rose Garden briefing was heavy-handed on rhetoric and light on specifics, but by Thursday, it was confirmed that these new duties will be tacked onto any existing tariffs the U.S. already has in place.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
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Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2025
Many point out that while his concerns about academics and responsibilities are valid, his approach was heavy-handed and unfair — especially toward the girlfriend.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
The paper also raises the possibility that AGI could accumulate more and more control over economic and political systems, perhaps by devising heavy-handed tariff schemes.
—Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025
Related Stories Trump’s Rose Garden briefing was heavy-handed on rhetoric and light on specifics, but by Thursday, it was confirmed that these new duties will be tacked onto any existing tariffs the U.S. already has in place.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
Cite this Entry
“Heavy-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavy-handed. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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