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
Relevance
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
Miami Beach officials are once again turning to creative marketing — and heavy-handed restrictions — to keep spring break crowds away from South Beach.
—
Martin Vassolo, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025
Some critics of the Jan. 6 cases have said the DOJ was unusually heavy-handed with the rioters who committed misdemeanors.
—Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Feb. 2025
Now Page steps into the firing line against the heavy-handed Magomedov as the betting underdog.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
But this heavy-handed assault on direct democracy is not the answer.
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for heavy-handed 
Martin Vassolo, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025
Some critics of the Jan. 6 cases have said the DOJ was unusually heavy-handed with the rioters who committed misdemeanors.
—Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Feb. 2025
Now Page steps into the firing line against the heavy-handed Magomedov as the betting underdog.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
But this heavy-handed assault on direct democracy is not the answer.
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for heavy-handed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heavy-handed
Adjective
-
The delays follow the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing a warning over harsh weather for residents of Huntersville and Gastonia in North Carolina, which is also affecting the Charlotte Douglas Airport.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
16 Feb. 2025
-
The protest was not politically motivated, but demonstrations in the country can sometimes lead to political unrest under the harsh regime.—
Brie Stimson,
Fox News,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Game to game, characters like the speedy Pete Wheeler or clumsy Angela Delvecchio were true to their traits across each release.—
Jake Lang,
Rolling Stone,
7 Feb. 2025
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Relentless, hi-def gore is The Monkey’s greatest achievement, but all the blood-spatter in the world couldn’t redeem its clumsy plotting, frat-boy humor, and feigned memento mori.—
Madison Bloom,
Pitchfork,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The mission also comes at a time of dwindling confidence among British businesses, which are facing higher taxes and stricter employment rules under the new Labour government.—
Samantha Conti,
WWD,
5 Feb. 2025
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The emails also raise serious legal and ethical concerns, especially given the NFL's strict policies regarding conduct detrimental to the league.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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There were a couple of awkward moments, including one over breakfast at the training ground.—
Stuart James,
The Athletic,
5 Feb. 2025
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What started out as something Howie Mandel thought would be a funny bit for his Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast last month quickly devolved into a super-tense, awkward moment the America’s Got Talent host is now expressing regret for.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Serbia’s authoritarian leader should be riding high, lifted by economic growth that is four times the European average, falling unemployment and steadily rising wages.—
Andrew Higgins,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2025
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Then, as is usual here, the cast contains a sprinkling of musical-theater aces: Greg Hildreth, a pro at welding smarm and actual charm, strolls out as our narrator, the cheerily authoritarian Office Lockstock.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Still, the Steelers have some tough decisions to make for their roster, and the team has already made a big one by letting Smith go.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
15 Feb. 2025
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Hot team Playing arguably the toughest schedule in the county, St. Augustine’s boys basketball team started the season 3-12.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In today's digital age, companies are entrusted with vast amounts of personal data, and breaches like this demonstrate the need for rigorous security measures.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
4 Feb. 2025
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Every credit card story is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit products.—
Ryley Amond,
CNBC,
4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Sterling was all smiles for the photo, but the same couldn’t be said for Bronze, who gave the camera a stern look.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
8 Feb. 2025
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As Kirsten Cohen’s stern taskmaster of a father, Alan Dale was only supposed to have a brief appearance on The O.C.—
Sezin Devi Koehler,
EW.com,
8 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near heavy-handed
Cite this Entry
“Heavy-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heavy-handed. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
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