HEAVY-HANDEDNESS Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

heavy-handedness

noun

as in clumsiness

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Dissimilar Words

as in oppressiveness

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of heavy-handedness Granted, there was a lot to criticize in my writing, which was suffering from all sorts of problems, from structural incoherence to insufficient character development to—yes—didactic heavy-handedness that broke the reader’s immersion. — Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026 Ziegler’s humor and sympathy for her characters—including Creon, who desperately wants to do right by everyone—saves the conflict between individual and state from heavy-handedness. — Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026 The Hims & Hers ad is shrewd in its heavy-handedness. — Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026 Beijing was selected over Almaty, Kazakhstan, as the 2022 host city after four other candidates, including Oslo and Stockholm, withdrew citing costs, high public opposition and IOC heavy-handedness. — Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heavy-handedness

Noun

Let a hypothermic victim get some sleep After the shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and clumsiness of hypothermia have manifested, an exposure victim also gets drowsy.

— Tim MacWelch, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026
In January 2024, Lola was diagnosed with leukemia after her parents initially mistook bruises appearing across her body for childhood clumsiness.

— Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026

Definition of clumsiness

Noun

The harshness of the response suggested that after nearly five decades of trying to negotiate with the SSPX, the Holy See has had enough.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
The harshness of the response suggested that after trying to negotiate with the SSPX, the Vatican under Leo XIV had had enough.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of harshness

Noun

The rise of Santa Muerte The other folk saint tied to narco culture is Santa Muerte, whose Grim Reaper appearance and relative obscurity prompt assumptions of malevolence.

— Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 7 June 2026
Trying to find charm and not having malevolence as the intention, not trying to be evil, let the brilliant writing do that.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026

Definition of malevolence

Noun

These reactions are often a response to their growing desire for independence and their inexperience calmly communicating their emotions.

— Lindsay Barnhart, The Conversation, 21 July 2026
But Karic said naivety in decision-making, due to age or inexperience, can sometimes play a role with a younger club.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Definition of inexperience

Noun

Sometimes the irony turns bitter and, with a typically Eastern European sensibility, highlights the paradoxes of institutions, as well as the madness and meanness born from the pursuit and preservation of power.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 June 2026
After 1965, when African Americans’ right to vote was constitutionally recognized, the meanness continued.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026

Definition of meanness

Browse Nearby Words

heavy-handed

heavy-handedness

heavyhearted

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Style

“Heavy-handedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heavy-handedness. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of heavy-handedness

noun

Example Sentences

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Cite this Entry

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