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
In a torrid opening round for the 40-year-old contender, Cannonier was dropped twice by the heavy-handed Brazilian, whose striking had the American fighter in big trouble early.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
The task force is a rebuff to what the crypto industry saw as the heavy-handed approach taken by Gary Gensler, the previous S.E.C. chair.
—Matthew Goldstein, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
Two weeks ago, Republican leaders, who have long bristled at DeSantis’ heavy-handed approach, defied his request for a special session to address immigration.
—Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2025
Some found his commentary on the Black American experience as poignant, while others saw it as heavy-handed.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
The task force is a rebuff to what the crypto industry saw as the heavy-handed approach taken by Gary Gensler, the previous S.E.C. chair.
—Matthew Goldstein, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
Two weeks ago, Republican leaders, who have long bristled at DeSantis’ heavy-handed approach, defied his request for a special session to address immigration.
—Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2025
Some found his commentary on the Black American experience as poignant, while others saw it as heavy-handed.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heavy-handed
Adjective
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Unlike Western cleansers, which often rely on harsh surfactants or astringent ingredients, Korean ones maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and natural pH balance, says Cho.—
Denise Primbet,
Glamour,
28 Feb. 2025
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Her lyric vocal writing contends with harsh reality, but her style is never far from profound rapture.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The character first appears in the franchise’s original film Scream (1996) as the older brother of Tatum Riley (Rose McGowan) and the clumsy police deputy trying to help solve the murders in their town of Woodsboro.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2025
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Aviles’ dismissal, for a clumsy challenge on the edge of the penalty area, seemed set to turn the game.—
Martin Rogers,
The Athletic,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Four years on—late in 2024 but well in advance of the Type 00’s public debut in Miami—Robb Report was invited to Gaydon to see the result under conditions of the strictest secrecy.—
Ben Oliver,
Robb Report,
1 Mar. 2025
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While seafood imports must meet strict federal safety regulations, this catfish recall underscores the challenges of monitoring international food supply chains.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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When Anne Hathaway co-hosted the ceremony with James Franco in 2012, it was widely panned as the Academy's awkward attempt to attract younger viewers.—
Lucia Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2025
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However, whether the friendship will survive the awkward gift exchange remains to be seen.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The authoritarian manosphere is organized around a hierarchy topped by heroic male warriors.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
4 Mar. 2025
-
Fragile post-conflict governments often struggle to maintain popular support, and without a strong commitment to justice and accountability, there is a real risk that authoritarian tendencies will resurface.—
PATRICK VINCK,
Foreign Affairs,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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How to Bet Timberwolves vs. Lakers Following up a game like Tuesday's would be tough for the Wolves under any circumstances, but with Edwards battling a calf injury and DiVincenzo potentially sidelined, beating the Lakers in L.A. will be that much more difficult.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
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This all adds up to a tough investment outlook for any business looking at Ukraine’s mineral supply.—
Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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All in all, even a moderate approach was like 12-hours of rigorous cardio.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2025
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Every mortgage article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of mortgage products.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Lilian laughed, but Dr. Fenton remained stern, only nodding at Lilian’s understanding.—
Yiyun Li,
The New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2025
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Waves of anti-Tesla and Elon Musk protests ripple throughout Bay Area Related Articles With few options, Bay Area Democrats in Congress oppose Trump with stern letters, town halls and protest California’s first zero-emission car mandates are coming.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
The Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Heavy-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heavy-handed. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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