heavy-handed

adjective

heavy-hand·​ed ˈhe-vē-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce heavy-handed (audio)
heavy-handedly adverb
heavy-handedness noun

Examples of heavy-handed in a Sentence

the new manager's heavy-handed approach soon had employees turning in their letters of resignation felt heavy-handed and awkward when holding the newborn infant
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The keyboard’s trademark shallow key travel remains the same, which is a demerit for heavy-handed typists like myself but should delight light-touch Mac users who prefer little to no resistance when typing. PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 The department has been criticized for its heavy-handed response to those celebrations, with officers being accused of firing less-lethal rounds indiscriminately into crowds, injuring protesters and costing the city millions in settlement payouts. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 But recent polling by the Commonwealth Foundation shows that most Pennsylvanians object to not only a fracking ban but also most heavy-handed environmental policies -- many of which the vice president embraces. André Béliveau, National Review, 19 Oct. 2024 The concept is heavy-handed, and taken individually, these ideas seem shallow, not unlike some of Persona’s bigger statements that get left undeveloped. Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for heavy-handed 

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heavy-handed was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near heavy-handed

Cite this Entry

“Heavy-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavy-handed. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

heavy-handed

adjective
heavy-hand·​ed
ˌhev-ē-ˈhan-dəd
1
2
: severe or harsh in dealing with others

More from Merriam-Webster on heavy-handed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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