1
as in harsh
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
the new manager's heavy-handed approach soon had employees turning in their letters of resignation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clumsy
lacking or showing a lack of nimbleness in using one's hands
felt heavy-handed and awkward when holding the newborn infant
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of heavy-handed
No other product is handed over to the government with such fussy and heavy-handed interference.
—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Michelle is really heavy-handed with the storyline work in the writing session, constantly trying to foist pressure upon the girls.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026
Trotter is a downhill, heavy-handed tone-setter with real pedigree.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
While political messaging through fashion can sometimes look and feel heavy-handed, here, Hearst took a more understated approach by honoring Jebb's legacy through depth, expertise, and a touch of humanity in every detail and garment.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Michelle is really heavy-handed with the storyline work in the writing session, constantly trying to foist pressure upon the girls.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026
Trotter is a downhill, heavy-handed tone-setter with real pedigree.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
While political messaging through fashion can sometimes look and feel heavy-handed, here, Hearst took a more understated approach by honoring Jebb's legacy through depth, expertise, and a touch of humanity in every detail and garment.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heavy-handed
Adjective
-
Unkind words and thoughts from your harshest critic (yourself) are all too common, especially for women, and their effects can diminish mood, confidence and self-esteem while positive ones can have the opposite impact.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
26 Mar. 2026
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Those forces may give the president more leverage in his negotiations, but also risk fueling Tehran's resentment and provoking a harsher response, analysts say.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But it’s played sincerely, so the visual contrast just makes the connection feel clumsy, if not outright absurd.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
23 Mar. 2026
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McGee meets one of a clumsy TURF intern Pete, who is revealed to be Olivia's 18-year-old son, Matteo (Patrick Keleher) under interrogation.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In response, rental companies are implementing stricter cleaning standards, higher security deposits, and more surveillance.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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Still, the driver's age is raising broader policy questions, as some residents are calling for stricter testing requirements for older drivers, including more frequent vision and driving evaluations.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
So Pakistan is already in an awkward position because the Saudis are being attacked.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Lock down the logistics first The fastest way to kill trip momentum is skipping the awkward conversations.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Organizers and protesters fear America is on a path toward authoritarian rule.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The President has, in ICE, a quasi-authoritarian force at his disposal.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The real minutes, tough minutes on the road, stressful.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
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After those seven players, things get a little tough to project.—
Mike Kaye
March 26,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Cameron is completing the rigorous prerequisites to apply to the competitive cardiovascular technology program at Grossmont College while caring for her daughter.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
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Every car insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of car insurance products.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Some of the movie is an acid satire of pre-wedding rituals — like the first dance that Charlie and Emma are dutifully rehearsing for, with a ridiculously stern taskmaster of a coach.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
31 Mar. 2026
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Born in Michigan, Tolkan served in the Navy before studying at the Actors Studio, eventually becoming Hollywood’s go-to stern authority figure for decades.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heavy-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heavy-handed. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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