1
as in harsh
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
the new manager's heavy-handed approach soon had employees turning in their letters of resignation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clumsy
lacking or showing a lack of nimbleness in using one's hands
felt heavy-handed and awkward when holding the newborn infant
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of heavy-handed
Popular on Variety Frank is a by-the-book type whose rigidity is in part a battle against PTSD from the WW2 military service shown in heavy-handed flashbacks.
—
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
Many see its actions as neocolonial, including its imposition of draconian conditions on trade and investment deals and its heavy-handed diplomacy across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
However, my fears that the extended display would make the laptop unbalanced and easy to topple proved unfounded after a brief hands-on test, with the device remaining stable when used on a desktop, even under my heavy-handed typing.
—Barry Collins, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
The Singularity is highly readable, but its finale now resembles a heavy-handed parody of Sixties sexism.
—Christopher Tayler, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for heavy-handed 
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
Many see its actions as neocolonial, including its imposition of draconian conditions on trade and investment deals and its heavy-handed diplomacy across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
However, my fears that the extended display would make the laptop unbalanced and easy to topple proved unfounded after a brief hands-on test, with the device remaining stable when used on a desktop, even under my heavy-handed typing.
—Barry Collins, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
The Singularity is highly readable, but its finale now resembles a heavy-handed parody of Sixties sexism.
—Christopher Tayler, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for heavy-handed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heavy-handed
Adjective
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Unlike regular shampoos, curl-specific formulas focus on hydration, gentle cleansing, and curl retention while avoiding harsh sulfates and silicones that can strip moisture.—
Erin Parker,
Allure,
22 Jan. 2025
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Ideally, opt for an eco-friendly detergent without harsh chemicals.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
In a moment when Liston was hurling a clumsy punch and his balance was susceptible, Ali threw what looked like a swiping right graze at his opponent’s head.—
Mikal Gilmore,
Rolling Stone,
17 Jan. 2025
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Even observers who think the outlook for China’s economy is less dire agree that its growth is slowing and will be constrained by structural challenges and a clumsy policymaking process.—
Jude Blanchette,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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His remarkable physique is a testament to that strict regimen.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
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This story incorporates reporting from KNOE, The Sun, ABC Columbia and Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati. Spirit Airlines has revised its policies to enforce a stricter dress code for passengers.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Listen to Marsden recall the awkward encounter in the clip above.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
24 Jan. 2025
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In his defense, the Anti-Defamation League tweeted from X that Musk’s gesture seemed to be an awkward expression of enthusiasm.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Over the past decade, during which the authoritarian Law and Justice party has ruled in Poland, the Centre has served as a staunch defender of independent research.—
Natalia Romik / Madę by History,
TIME,
27 Jan. 2025
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In this paradigm, the ideal worker is less like a corporate ally or a trusted collaborator and more like a subject of an authoritarian regime.—
Anna Wiener,
The New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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More Americans than ever own pets, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, which means more of us will have to make tough decisions about an animal's health in the coming years.—
Claire Thornton,
USA TODAY,
22 Jan. 2025
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Bridges finished with 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting from the field against his old team, and Anunoby scored 20 points on 8-of-18 shooting from the field to go with tough defense on Johnson, who shot an abysmal 6-of-20 from the field for 16 points.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Like many large employers, the agency proactively seeks qualified candidates from as many sources as possible, all of whom must meet rigorous qualifications that of course will vary by position.—
John Yoo and John Shu,
Newsweek,
23 Jan. 2025
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These suppliers undergo rigorous vetting processes and must meet safety standards to prevent potential hazards.—
Tim Bajarin,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Don’t be surprised if you get pulled over for driving with snow and ice on your roof and are given a stern warning.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2025
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Commenting on the matter via Movistar, Madrid legend and respected pundit Jorge Valdano suggested that Vinicius needs to be taken to one side and given some stern advice.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near heavy-handed
Cite this Entry
“Heavy-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heavy-handed. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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