heavy-handed
adjective
heavy-hand·ed
ˈhe-vē-ˈhan-dəd 
1
: clumsy
2
: oppressive, harsh
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 heavy-handed Wu, who won 72% of the vote in this month’s preliminary election, forcing her only opponent to drop out, apparently wants more.
—
Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
However, heavy-handed immigration tactics have eroded some of those gains.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
Trump has also surprised some by taking a heavy-handed approach with private businesses.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
The religion is heavy-handed, but also surprisingly powerful — especially once the volcano goes boom.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
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Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
However, heavy-handed immigration tactics have eroded some of those gains.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
Trump has also surprised some by taking a heavy-handed approach with private businesses.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
The religion is heavy-handed, but also surprisingly powerful — especially once the volcano goes boom.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025
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 2 Oct. 2025.
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