HAM-HANDED Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

ham-handed

adjective

ˈham-ˌhan-dəd

Definition of ham-handed

as in clumsy

lacking or showing a lack of nimbleness in using one's hands much too ham-handed to use one of those tiny cell phones

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of ham-handed Nowhere is the ham-handed effort more evident than in Texas, where a blend of culture war grievance and incel-targeting rage have circled the sharp-witted but mild-mannered Talarico, whose campaign is shaping up to be a fundraising juggernaut. — Philip Elliott, Time, 2 June 2026 Who doubts the law would be enforced in a ham-handed way, with people being denied the presumption of innocence? — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2026 Even the film’s critic-defying, pinky-swearing fanbase may be disappointed in the barebones production, jarring plotting, tired dialogue and ham-handed staging. — Frank Rizzo, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026 Or public employee unions might put up the money, given that a Republican winner is likely to create a state version of Elon Musk’s ham-handed attempt to fire nearly everyone on the federal payroll. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ham-handed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ham-handed

Adjective

Such a feature would neatly get around the need for clumsy remote control sessions to interact with AI agents running on a distant Mac.

— Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
The head coach was clumsy in his response, saying — in effect — that the player is better suited to being an impact substitute and taking advantage of tiring opposition defenders.

— Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Definition of clumsy

Adjective

Human bodies were like animals’ The few medical instruments of the revolutionary era were heavy in the hand, awkward in use and imprecise to maneuver.

— Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
In its place are itty-bitty bands that still keep your flats or heels in place, just with less of a chance of awkward tan lines.

— Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 1 July 2026

Definition of awkward

Browse Nearby Words

ham-fisted

ham-handed

ham-handedly

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“Ham-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ham-handed. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of ham-handed

adjective

Example Sentences

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