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.

If films about catastrophe often take a schematic, meet-the-victims approach to their opening scenes, Ms. Littman renders hers with persuasive vibrancy, too full of life to have room for heavy-handed portent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

And for all its heavy-handed writing and mystifying character flourishes, “Tow” manages to be mostly an effective, if silly, story of perseverance, thanks almost entirely to Byrne’s dogged performance.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

AFP asked Adam Fisk, head of US-based nonprofit Lantern, which offers an advanced VPN, how his technology and similar apps can get around such heavy-handed blocking.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

There are few scenic accouterments other than some fabulously eerie lighting, suspenseful sound effects and heavy-handed underscoring.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

“Y’all be gettin mad heavy-handed on the mayo. And put sweet peppers on there for me, my dude.”

From "The Boy in the Black Suit" by Jason Reynolds