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Showing results for high-handed. Search instead for highhanded.
Synonyms

high-handed

American  
[hahy-han-did] / ˈhaɪˈhæn dɪd /

adjective

  1. condescending or presumptuous; overbearing; arbitrary.

    He has a highhanded manner.


high-handed British  

adjective

  1. tactlessly overbearing and inconsiderate

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of high-handed

First recorded in 1625–35

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.

See Examples For:

In a statement the posted on social media by the Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana called Canada's decision "high-handed and extremely unfair", calling Partey, "a key member of Ghana's senior national team".

From Barron's Jun. 13, 2026

Triggering the administration’s nuclear response on Friday was Anthropic’s high-handed refusal to give the Defense Department carte blanche to use its technology as it sees fit.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 1, 2026

Scottish Conservatives chairman Craig Hoy told the BBC that Mr Russell was "dismissing the concerns raised by Lisa Cameron in the most high-handed of ways."

From BBC Oct. 13, 2023

In countering misinformation, FDA also risks coming off as high-handed.

From Salon Jul. 21, 2023

“But your honor will not deny me this one and only poor privilege of protest against this high-handed outrage upon my citizen’s rights,” Anthony responded.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

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