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

Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee and Dave Callaham have written a heavy-handed script in which, when Castle Grayskull comes under attack, Idris Elba’s soldier is forced to yell, “We’re under attack!”

From Los Angeles Times • 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

Farmers argued the new rules around storing manures were too heavy-handed and costly, and they should be able to manage their spreading based on weather conditions.

From BBC • May 22, 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