heavy-handed

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This short, acrid, somewhat heavy-handed work depicts Valentin’s crash course in political cynicism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

But the heavy-handed use of “our,” “we” and “all” sends the message that, if you don’t agree with Rollins, you don’t fully count as a person, much less as a valued employee at USDA.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

Pressed on whether he believed the police were heavy-handed, Polanski told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: "I was very concerned by what I saw and I remain concerned."

From BBC • May 3, 2026

On emissions, Linh said she believes “incentives and innovation will always outperform heavy-handed mandates.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

There was no way I could get heavy-handed and demand that an English person send me money, even if he owed it to me personally.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris