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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of heavy-handed
Lenders want to know how President Trump's unpredictable, heavy-handed tariff strategy might impact a borrower's business, according to Bob Coleman, publisher of the Coleman Report, a trade publication for small business bankers and lenders.
—
Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
But a second major critique of DEI focuses on the heavy-handed policing of ideas.
—Suzanne Nossel, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
There’s a real threat of backlash to Trump’s heavy-handed approach.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
Years of democratic backsliding have insulated the government from many of the consequences of its heavy-handed rule.
—Amanda Taub, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
But a second major critique of DEI focuses on the heavy-handed policing of ideas.
—Suzanne Nossel, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
There’s a real threat of backlash to Trump’s heavy-handed approach.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
Years of democratic backsliding have insulated the government from many of the consequences of its heavy-handed rule.
—Amanda Taub, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heavy-handed
Adjective
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Donald Trump defended his harsh new tariffs on Saturday Night Live this week — and maybe took a swipe at last week’s musical guest, too.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
5 Apr. 2025
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When the father tried to explain himself, the women criticized him for being too harsh.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Unlike clumsier species that struggle with obstacles, the black mamba leverages every surface with surgical precision, effectively turning the landscape into a series of launchpads.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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There’s also a touching subplot for the clumsy, muted Dopey (Andrew Barth Feldman), who’s regularly the butt of the other dwarfs’ jokes.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA TODAY,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Some venues, such as London's fabric, encourage a phone-free environment through guidance rather than strict enforcement.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Apr. 2025
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First, monitor how Asian hubs respond to the surprising success of Singapore’s stricter regime - will Hong Kong double down on flexibility or pivot toward stability?—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Sisterhood in sports can come with awkward moments, though.—
Evan Drellich,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
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In fact, the timing of the 11th annual event in Santa Monica made for some awkward — even, some would say, problematic — optics and messaging for these celebrities.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The obvious split between a democratic Taiwan and an authoritarian China is an uncontestable reality and is part of the international consensus.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
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Since taking office just a few weeks ago, President Trump has rapidly depleted the reservoir of America’s soft power with an authoritarian bent and astonishing speed.—
Penny Abeywardena,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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On others, such as birthright citizenship, the Administration has a tougher path to victory.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2025
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But, then, the Warriors aren’t the only tough out in an overloaded Western Conference.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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That’s the cost of such rigorous theming: Since you’re supposed to be inside a game, anything that gets in the way of that illusion is banned.—
Todd Anderson,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
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There are a variety of platforms that can support rigorous experimentation and analysis.—
Roli Saxena,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Fifteen games have passed since, cementing Deepdale as one of the sternest away trips in the English Football League.—
Sam Tighe,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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Of course this new yacht features the wide open stern and three-level beach club Bagliettos are known for.—
Bill Springer,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Heavy-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heavy-handed. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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