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

As Ivan and Nina wrestle with their own emotional truths, which range from her mother Nora’s departure from their lives to Ivan’s clumsy recitations of Nina’s childhood antics, something alarming is afoot.

— Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Here, his clumsy, winky, affected, and self-undercutting direction can’t even work the charming Jenna Ortega to a great performance, as her Klara is flattened into a bundle of manic pixie mannerisms both physical and verbal.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of clumsy

Adjective

Trump’s local appearances might present an awkward situation for some candidates who have sought to distance themselves from the president.

— Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
In Sam’s case, his roaring egotism is somewhat awkward because he’s also obsessed with the idea of being altruistic.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of awkward

Browse Nearby Words

ham-fisted

ham-handed

ham-handedly

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Style

“Ham-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ham-handed. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ham-handed

adjective

Example Sentences

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