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

Scientist Alexandra, 32, refuses to download Max "out of contrariness" to its heavy-handed promotion.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 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

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said school leaders "need support from government, not the threat of heavy-handed inspection".

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

Sometimes, like today, she gets a little heavy-handed with it.

From "The Skin I'm In" by Sharon G. Flake