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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of heavy-handed
Mishra then abruptly juxtaposes a scene from Gaza, flush with heavy-handed language that bludgeons home his comparison.
—
Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025
His second victory has revived fears that Trump would seize MPD, then order it to be heavy-handed on city streets.
—Cuneyt Dil, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
While Bobby is pretty heavy-handed in its message and delivery, any child of the ’90s would consider its standout scene to be the one between Moore’s Virginia and Sharon Stone’s beautician, Miriam.
—Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025
Another example of Trump’s heavy-handed approach this time has been his handling of criminal charges against supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
—Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025
His second victory has revived fears that Trump would seize MPD, then order it to be heavy-handed on city streets.
—Cuneyt Dil, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
While Bobby is pretty heavy-handed in its message and delivery, any child of the ’90s would consider its standout scene to be the one between Moore’s Virginia and Sharon Stone’s beautician, Miriam.
—Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025
Another example of Trump’s heavy-handed approach this time has been his handling of criminal charges against supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
—Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heavy-handed
Adjective
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Five years ago this week, the television industry rose to the challenge of keeping news, daytime and late-night talk shows and other topical series on the air during the harsh early months of the COVID pandemic.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
12 Mar. 2025
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Smith isn’t alone in that sentiment, as other analysts and critics have shared his harsh review of Bronny’s performance in the NBA.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
12 Mar. 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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But in fact, some parents warn against helicopter parenting, and strict parenting can actually result in more rebellious kids.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
13 Mar. 2025
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However, the movie’s framing has widespread contemporary resonance, and an enormous overlap with how trans issues are discussed, particularly in how individuals who deviate from strict gender norms are so readily demonized by others.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Historically an awkward public speaker, Johnson nevertheless saw the invitation as an opportunity to promote his plan for a voting rights bill.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
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The latest breakthrough attempts have been met with ridicule as Republicans blast Democrats for awkward social media posts and videos.—
Rachel Schilke,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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They are also seen as sharing a joint interest in diminishing the role of the U.S. and other liberal democracies in determining world events in favor of their own highly authoritarian systems.—
Christopher Bodeen,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
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In this way, democratic parenting is markedly different from both permissive parenting and authoritarian parenting.—
Miranda Rake,
Parents,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Another really tough stretch is ahead for the Heat.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2025
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The only trick: Choose a dye that’s gentle on the hair, tough on grays, and easy to apply.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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State Department officials interview applicants and submit them to a rigorous screening that includes an FBI background check.—
Tazreena Sajjad,
The Conversation,
13 Mar. 2025
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Facing those challenges, top education officials moved to eliminate the elementary school at P.S. 76, and merge grades 6-8 with Mott Hall II, a nearby middle school that is adding a rigorous high school program.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
13 Mar. 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 20 Mar. 2025.
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