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

2

: oppressive, harsh

a heavy-handed approach to crime

heavy-handedly adverb

heavy-handedness noun

Synonyms of heavy-handed

• harsh
• strict
• authoritarian
• tough
• rigorous
• stern
• rigid
• severe
• relentless

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

This heavy-handed approach wasn’t unique to NYU. —Jonathan Zimmerman, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

No other product is handed over to the government with such fussy and heavy-handed interference. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026

Michelle is really heavy-handed with the storyline work in the writing session, constantly trying to foist pressure upon the girls. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026

Trotter is a downhill, heavy-handed tone-setter with real pedigree. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for heavy-handed

• countermanded
• evenhanded
• reprimanded
• underhanded
• backhanded
• commanded
• demanded
• disbanded
• expanded
• misbranded
• remanded
• unbranded

Kids Definition

heavy-handed

adjective

heavy-hand·​ed

ˌhev-ē-ˈhan-dəd

1

: clumsy sense 1

2

: severe or harsh in dealing with others