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
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
Brzezinski learned the ropes from late Dolphins executive Bryan Wiedmeier, who had worked closely with heavy-handed coaches like Don Shula, Jimmy Johnson and Nick Saban.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Lewandowski also took a heavy-handed approach to distributing DHS contracts, Ainsley writes, insisting that any expenditure over $100,000 be signed off by himself and Noem.
—Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Texas should prepare for the rise of artificial intelligence by embracing innovation while protecting citizens—through freedom-first policies, not heavy-handed regulation.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
Brzezinski learned the ropes from late Dolphins executive Bryan Wiedmeier, who had worked closely with heavy-handed coaches like Don Shula, Jimmy Johnson and Nick Saban.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Lewandowski also took a heavy-handed approach to distributing DHS contracts, Ainsley writes, insisting that any expenditure over $100,000 be signed off by himself and Noem.
—Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Texas should prepare for the rise of artificial intelligence by embracing innovation while protecting citizens—through freedom-first policies, not heavy-handed regulation.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heavy-handed
Adjective
-
Senegal 's parliament has approved a new bill that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the largely Muslim West African nation, the latest African country to impose harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Audrey Sterk of Audrey Sterk Design teamed up with Chip Webster Architecture and Reid Builders to use durable composite countertops and weather-resistant cabinetry to ensure this outdoor kitchen will last, even in this harsh island environment.—
Megan Johnson,
Architectural Digest,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But weighting the draft odds is a delicate business — and one the Bulls remain committed to approaching with a clumsy commitment to competitiveness.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
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Kurt's key takeaway Scammers are no longer relying only on clumsy emails or obvious red flags.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
State law requires agencies using the technology to maintain strict controls over how information is shared and accessed.—
Nina Burns,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Senate Bill 102 seeks to enact some of the strictest statewide regulations on the booming industry.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
From historic wins, like the first woman to win for cinematography and seventh-ever Oscar tie, to awkward silences to moving tributes and very, very long bits from host Conan O’Brien, the March 15 ceremony was emotional and eventful.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
16 Mar. 2026
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During the acceptance speech for Two People Exchanging Saliva, an awkward moment occurred when the microphone started to descend and the camera shifted to host Conan O'Brien, who was still waiting for the speeches to end.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Despite his progressive views, he was widely seen as an authoritarian and a despot.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
14 Mar. 2026
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Scientific institutions represent a potential pillar of support for an increasingly authoritarian government.—
Jenna Norton,
STAT,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In 2008, Klay Thompson of Santa Margarita scored 37 points and made a record seven three-pointers at the notoriously tough Arco Arena in Sacramento to help the Eagles win the Division III title over Sacramento 72-55.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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Punch made multiple tough baskets and got to the free-throw line as the Jayhawks struggled with his physicality.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Keys said part of the challenge was attracting new high school students because of the academy’s rigorous curriculum.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
13 Mar. 2026
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All attendees would have to undergo rigorous COVID testing.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a stern warning to the Iranians after an Iranian missile was launched at Turkey and was shot down by NATO defense forces.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
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Ye allegedly demanded in a stern voice mimicked on the stand by Holding.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heavy-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heavy-handed. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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