Hard-handed is a term that refers to people or actions that are harsh and heavy-handed. There are various synonyms for this term that can be used to depict the same meaning. For instance, the term "oppressive" refers to actions that are tyrannical and severe. The term "domineering" refers to a person that is controlling and dictatorial, while the term "ruthless" refers to actions that are lacking in mercy or compassion. Other alternatives to this term include "overbearing," "uncompromising," and "heavy-handed." All of these synonyms portray the same idea of forceful and unyielding actions or people, but with slightly different connotations.