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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And this is in addition to our ongoing on-pitch tactical clumsiness and lack of motivation for big games.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
27 Aug. 2025 -
His uncharacteristic clumsiness amused me.—
Tao Lin,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The harshness of the language and the raw politicking shocked voters.—
Matt Klink,
Oc Register,
6 Sep. 2025
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The bass doesn’t overpower vocals, and the treble avoids harshness.—
Prakhar Khanna,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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When retail loses money, it’s often dismissed as inexperience.—
Anmol Verma,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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While the Rockets’ inexperience and inability to execute during crucial moments stood out most in last year’s first-round playoff loss to the Warriors, Udoka also threw a fun wrinkle into the mix.—
William Guillory,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Shari escapes, but not without realizing that her mother’s malevolence has permanently marked her sense of self.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
3 Sep. 2025
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That’s an extremely human sentiment, reflecting anger and malevolence.—
Thomas Elias,
Mercury News,
2 Sep. 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
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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 Sep. 2025.
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