1
as in manners
speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding
was full of the same gentility and grace that marked the rest of the family
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nobility
the highest class in a society
as members of the gentility, they felt an obligation to help the less fortunate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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 gentility
The open secret of workers’ relationship with the gentry, in Eliot, is that their labor makes its gentility possible.
—
Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
The story is in no sense a petition for the return of the monarchy but contrasts Old World gentility with the heartlessness of the surveillance state, culture against the assassination of culture.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024
For all the luxurious trappings of the room, the gentility of the service, the precision of the culinary technique, Kim’s approach at Meju is one of anti-luxury: there are no truffles on the menu, no uni, no caviar.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 3 Dec. 2023
Perhaps because of her lyrical name, or her Southern gentility, Lady Bird has often been misunderstood and underestimated.
—Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for gentility 
Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
The story is in no sense a petition for the return of the monarchy but contrasts Old World gentility with the heartlessness of the surveillance state, culture against the assassination of culture.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024
For all the luxurious trappings of the room, the gentility of the service, the precision of the culinary technique, Kim’s approach at Meju is one of anti-luxury: there are no truffles on the menu, no uni, no caviar.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 3 Dec. 2023
Perhaps because of her lyrical name, or her Southern gentility, Lady Bird has often been misunderstood and underestimated.
—Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for gentility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentility
Noun
-
The previous Traverse wasn't a sports car either, but the height and the width of the new SUV dull its road manners.Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
-
The Pacifica's interior feels the most plush, but both the Sienna and Odyssey have better driving manners.Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
There were seven Crusades, which cut down the flower of Europe’s nobility and annihilated innumerable poor serfs for a period of more than 150 years until 1270.Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 5 Dec. 2024
-
Collection There’s a nobility that usually comes with characters who overcome disabilities, to say nothing of the actors who play them, but one of the dark pleasures of Matchstick Men is that triumph over adversity means being the most effective criminal possible.Scott Tobias, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Experience the elegance of a traditional Victorian afternoon tea with samplings, etiquette lessons, and a mansion tour.Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024
-
Rumoured Lady Di Cabochon Studs: $78 Fresh from the elevated clothing brand’s new jewelry collection, these sophisticated pearl pieces transcend well into the evening, adding a touch of elegance and style to any ensemble.Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Two worlds, one of a dwindling aristocracy, and the other of racing capitalism converge and throw up a whirlwind of clashing ambitions, steamy romance, chic couture and fashion-forward Instagrammable moments.Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
-
When the Norman Conquest in 1066 installed a French feudal aristocracy in the British Isles, the invaders brought with them a love of winemaking.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2024
Noun
-
Bob earned the Silver Star for gallantry in action when Japanese kamikaze bombers struck his ship, USS Franklin.Karen Scanlon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2024
-
For the next 40 years, not one of the seven Medal of Honor candidates cited for their gallantry in Cambodia or Laos received it.Barry Barnett, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2024
Noun
-
The Whitehaven neighborhood had developed in the late 19th century and attracted as residents the Memphis gentry.Michael T. Bertrand, The Conversation, 5 June 2024
-
Weather permitting but even in the occasional, rejuvenating drizzle, in wellies and hunting jackets like English gentry, Asher and Carol would tramp the grounds with the trio of dogs manic over every deer or rabbit.Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2024
Noun
-
His campaign carried the implicit hope for Democrats that while Trump may have changed politics for the time being, defeating him would bring back a measure of civility in a nation that increasingly appeared to have long moved past wanting such courtesy.Hunter Woodall, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2024
-
Rell made her comments on stage at the University of Hartford during a one-hour conversation with Gov. Ned Lamont on civility in politics.Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
While Oratorio Tangram did receive a US release on the Dreamcast, courtesy of Activision, the lack of TwinSticks internationally didn’t exactly help the game.Ollie Barder, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
-
See the full franchise-ranking lists below, courtesy of Fandom.Jennifer Maas, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near gentility
Cite this Entry
“Gentility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentility. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share