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.

Brokers had grumbled for years that the rule was too heavy-handed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 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

You also need to listen to your colleagues, including backbenchers, and the heavy-handed approach to dissenting voices diminishes our politics.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

It all can feel a little heavy-handed, but extremity does suit the story.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

The picture is not unlike Egypt today, where the government in Cairo keeps power by a combination of tactics, including management of local religious authorities that swerves between heavy-handed intimidation and cynical appeasement.

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro