heavy-handed
adjective
heavy-hand·ed
ˈhe-vē-ˈhan-dəd 
1
: showing a lack of skill : clumsy
The effect achieved is so subtle that, in contrast, much twentieth-century paintwork seems crude and heavy-handed.—
Elizabeth Lambert
Elizabeth Lambert2
: oppressive, harsh
a heavy-handed approach to crime
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
The judges association came to Dixson’s aid with endorsements, campaign cash and the op-ed — actions Bass views as heavy-handed and political, but Dixson’s supporters said were necessary to protect a judge from unwarranted attacks.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026
Both actors put in a shift here, but this is also where the religious imagery makes its heavy-handed presence known.
—Ian Stokes, Space.com, 12 June 2026
The best in the genre are morality tales that deftly mine their themes without getting too heavy-handed, exploring the intricacies of human nature.
—Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Common mistakes that ruin luxury hotel scents Even the right candles can’t save a room from heavy-handed scenting.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
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Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026
Both actors put in a shift here, but this is also where the religious imagery makes its heavy-handed presence known.
—Ian Stokes, Space.com, 12 June 2026
The best in the genre are morality tales that deftly mine their themes without getting too heavy-handed, exploring the intricacies of human nature.
—Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Common mistakes that ruin luxury hotel scents Even the right candles can’t save a room from heavy-handed scenting.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
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 15 Jun. 2026.
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