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

Residents of Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis, which have each faced heavy-handed federal crackdowns, are showing us how this is done. —Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026

So, if immigration isn’t the problem, what chance does ICE’s heavy-handed approach have to improve public safety? —Aubrey Jackson Soller, Baltimore Sun, 3 Feb. 2026

Liam’s detention became another flashpoint in the criticism over heavy-handed immigration enforcement tactics used by the feds and fueled mounting outrage from community members and officials alike. —Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026

Will the specifics be light-handed or heavy-handed? —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 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