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
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of heavy-handed
The keyboard’s trademark shallow key travel remains the same, which is a demerit for heavy-handed typists like myself but should delight light-touch Mac users who prefer little to no resistance when typing.
—
PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
The department has been criticized for its heavy-handed response to those celebrations, with officers being accused of firing less-lethal rounds indiscriminately into crowds, injuring protesters and costing the city millions in settlement payouts.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024
But recent polling by the Commonwealth Foundation shows that most Pennsylvanians object to not only a fracking ban but also most heavy-handed environmental policies -- many of which the vice president embraces.
—André Béliveau, National Review, 19 Oct. 2024
The concept is heavy-handed, and taken individually, these ideas seem shallow, not unlike some of Persona’s bigger statements that get left undeveloped.
—Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for heavy-handed 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heavy-handed
Adjective
-
The combination of this injury, the failure to find the anticipated wealth and the overall harsh conditions faced by the expedition contributed to Coronado's eventual decision to return to Mexico City in 1542.Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
-
Nestlé lowered its sales outlook in July and then again in October as consumer demand remained weak due to harsh macroeconomic conditions.Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 27 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Never mind the clumsy wording — taxes on U.S. citizens working abroad aren’t excessive so much as excessively complicated — this is one campaign promise that may actually be fulfilled, given the Republican control of both houses of Congress.Tyler Cowen, Sun Sentinel, 28 Nov. 2024
-
Walker believed traditional bass and treble controls were a clumsy way of tweaking tonal balance.Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
The measure imposes stricter penalties for some drug and theft crimes.Emma Tucker, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024
-
That meant laying down a strict timetable for cutting CO2 emissions.Neil Winton, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The next steps Around the league, the manner of Friday’s operation came off to some as unnecessarily awkward.Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 30 Nov. 2024
-
The even bigger and more awkward three-person version is also on sale for $108 ($71 off).Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Parents raised in authoritarian or neglectful households may struggle to break away from ingrained beliefs about discipline and respect.Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 2 Dec. 2024
-
International rights groups have used Biden’s trip to criticize the Lourenço government’s authoritarian shift.Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Another commenter urged the original poster to stand her ground, and suggested a practical approach in the midst of the tough situation.Rachel Raposas, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024
-
Australia approved on Thursday a social media ban for children aged under 16 after an emotive debate that has gripped the nation, setting a benchmark for jurisdictions around the world with one of the toughest regulations targeting Big Tech.Byron Kaye and Praveen Menon, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Every article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of small business products.Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2024
-
Banks must invest in rigorous testing and validation processes to ensure that their AI solutions meet the highest standards of reliability and fairness.Zennon Kapron, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Eldest children may create stern rules for their kids, such as a chore chart and strict bedtime routines.Alex Vance, Parents, 9 Dec. 2024
-
The speaker of the National Assembly read a stern statement on camera demanding that the president hold off a visit to the National Assembly until security matters are ironed out.Joohee Cho, ABC News, 7 Dec. 2024
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 13 Dec. 2024.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share