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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Recent Examples of heavy-handed
The Singularity is highly readable, but its finale now resembles a heavy-handed parody of Sixties sexism.
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Christopher Tayler, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
She’s subsequently pursued by a mysterious entity feeding off her trauma — a metaphor that felt heavy-handed in 2022 but lands delicately here.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Jan. 2025
The heavy-handed symbolism of this last image sits a little uneasily with the semisatirical mode in which the story has been rendered.
—Houman Barekat, New York Times, 23 Dec. 2024
Musk’s influence could thus lead to a more heavy-handed regulatory environment for AI in the U.S.
There is one problem with all these speculations, though.
—Rob Toews, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for heavy-handed 
Christopher Tayler, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
She’s subsequently pursued by a mysterious entity feeding off her trauma — a metaphor that felt heavy-handed in 2022 but lands delicately here.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Jan. 2025
The heavy-handed symbolism of this last image sits a little uneasily with the semisatirical mode in which the story has been rendered.
—Houman Barekat, New York Times, 23 Dec. 2024
Musk’s influence could thus lead to a more heavy-handed regulatory environment for AI in the U.S.
There is one problem with all these speculations, though.
—Rob Toews, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for heavy-handed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heavy-handed
Adjective
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Soviet scientists at the time believed that strays, given that they were already accustomed to harsh conditions, would be better suited to the extreme environments of space.Scott Travers, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
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Florida threatens to lead the nation in state killings now because of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new law, the nation’s harshest, allowing as few as eight of 12 jurors to recommend execution instead of a unanimous verdict.Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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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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Certified billing software must meet strict criteria to ensure data integrity and support potential real-time reporting.Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
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In fact, there's a strict set of rules the cast must follow.Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Though the two might have an awkward run-in in the Love Island All-Stars Villa.Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 13 Jan. 2025
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Ribas’ hands and movement were much crisper than that of Dern, whose movement was awkward and punches were slower and wilder than those of her foe.Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Yoon’s order faced fierce backlash from the public and lawmakers across the political spectrum, reviving painful memories of the country’s authoritarian past.Gawon Bae, CNN, 15 Jan. 2025
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Yes, dollars circulated in authoritarian, murderous Syria because market goods did.John Tamny, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Households are currently seeing significant reductions in their monthly electricity usage, resulting in cost savings—a big relief, especially in tough economic times.Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
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Reporting Highlights Child Care Gap: About 70% of rural Illinoisans live in a child care desert, forcing tough choices on parents: Some drive 100 miles a day or more to find care, others leave the workforce.ProPublica, ProPublica, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The Kings hadn’t played since their double-overtime win over the Miami Heat on Monday, leaving three days between games, which likely would have meant at least one rigorous practice with Brown at the helm.Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 11 Jan. 2025
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Truth, in this sense, is sought and rendered, something produced by rigorous inquiry and informed consideration rather than something discovered.Fergus McIntosh, The New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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That’s the pinnacle stewardship stern directors, CFOs and CTOs embrace.Noah Barsky, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
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President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming border czar Tom Homan has issued a stern warning to migrants illegally entering the U.S. in the final days of the Biden administration.Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 6 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 21 Jan. 2025.
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