heavy-handed
adjective
heavy-hand·ed
ˈhe-vē-ˈhan-dəd 
1
: showing a lack of skill : clumsy
The effect achieved is so subtle that, in contrast, much twentieth-century paintwork seems crude and heavy-handed.—
Elizabeth Lambert
Elizabeth Lambert2
: oppressive, harsh
a heavy-handed approach to crime
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
But several lawmakers on the committee expressed interest in taking a less-heavy-handed approach to the drug, which is sold in gas stations and smoke shops.
—Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
The 40th precinct’s heavy-handed crowd control outside the rink deepened resentment.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Still, Stratton and Pritzker may have some work ahead to consolidate support among Black voters, both in Illinois and nationally, after some of Kelly’s supporters in the Congressional Black Caucus criticized the governor for heavy-handed involvement on behalf of his former running mate.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
The initiative, which was marked by controversial arrests and clashes with protesters, was decried by local leaders as heavy-handed and unjustified.
—Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heavy-handed
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.
Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
The 40th precinct’s heavy-handed crowd control outside the rink deepened resentment.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Still, Stratton and Pritzker may have some work ahead to consolidate support among Black voters, both in Illinois and nationally, after some of Kelly’s supporters in the Congressional Black Caucus criticized the governor for heavy-handed involvement on behalf of his former running mate.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
The initiative, which was marked by controversial arrests and clashes with protesters, was decried by local leaders as heavy-handed and unjustified.
—Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
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 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
