1
as in clumsiness
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2
as in oppressiveness
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heavy-handedness
Noun
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Complete with easy, unstructured choreography, Fiyero’s loose movement mirrors the Scarecrow's clumsiness.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
21 Nov. 2025 -
The clumsiness feels important in other ways, too.—
Clio Chang,
Curbed,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The noise cancellation is legendary, and the sound is balanced and clean, with no weird bass boosting or treble harshness.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
1 Dec. 2025
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The harshness of the rhetoric reflects just how much Moscow stands to lose if the deal holds and TRIPP become a reality.—
Ilan Berman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Nov. 2025
Noun
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This setup lends itself to plenty of comedy as Bea’s inexperience leads to stumbling and rookie mistakes.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
15 Jan. 2026
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But even for those who feel represented by his policies, Kasky’s youth and inexperience may prove too large an obstacle for getting their vote.—
Joseph Strauss,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There are cheerful barging amateurs, happy to be bounced about, and there are prowling malevolences, waiting for the moment to blindside someone or chuck an elbow in their face.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
16 Dec. 2025
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Technical contributions are aces: Robert Richardson’s garish but subdued lighting clues us to the malevolence beneath the glitter, while Thelma Schoonmaker Powell’s editing perfectly punctu ates the frenzy.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Nov. 2025
Noun
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There’s some rudeness, aggressive conversations, and crudeness, but nothing too over the top.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
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These surrenders might occur because of unpreparedness or life changes.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Comment sections have always attracted hatefulness and resentment; these ones just happen to encourage it more explicitly.—
Rebecca Jennings,
Vulture,
30 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Heavy-handedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heavy-handedness. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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