heavy-handed

adjective

heavy-hand·​ed ˈhe-vē-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce heavy-handed (audio)
heavy-handedly adverb
heavy-handedness noun

Examples of heavy-handed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But what fundraiser organizers see as heavy-handed moderation has slowed down aid efforts, and inconsistent policies have left organizers and donors confused. Mia Sato, The Verge, 29 Feb. 2024 Operation Lone Star critics say the governor’s heavy-handed approach is more performance art and foolishness than practical. Arelis R. Hernández, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 The director’s heavy-handed approach to the material also flattens the characters, especially Daisy. Janey Tracey, EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024 In yet another heavy-handed move, the hunters even turn up with torches toward the end. Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2024 Sean Hannity, the GOP propagandist who has spent years using his powerful media perch to dishonestly attack Biden, delivered the news to his audience in a similarly heavy-handed way. Oliver Darcy, CNN, 22 Feb. 2024 This is partially because the drama feels so heavy-handed, with the director relying on lots of symbolism, a nonstop brooding score and too many close-ups to convey the anguish and sorrow of her characters. Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Feb. 2024 Perhaps our ability to tune out such heavy-handed imagery is a measure of how often we are bombarded with it. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2024 For their heavy-handed use of metaphor in exploring adolescent trauma, Quinn No. 1, Charli, and Quinn No. 3 all receive roses. Hayley Tillett, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heavy-handed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heavy-handed was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near heavy-handed

Cite this Entry

“Heavy-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavy-handed. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

heavy-handed

adjective
heavy-hand·​ed
ˌhev-ē-ˈhan-dəd
1
2
: severe or harsh in dealing with others

More from Merriam-Webster on heavy-handed

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