1
as in soothing
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
use a gentle detergent on that delicate silk blouse her gentle ways
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in temperate
marked by temperatures that are neither too high nor too low
whisk the egg yolks in a double boiler set over a gentle heat
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3
as in aristocratic
of high birth, rank, or station
loved reading about the days when gentle lords and ladies danced at fancy balls
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4
as in soft
not loud in pitch or volume
the mother spoke in a gentle voice to her child
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in noble
a man or woman of high birth or social position
the archbishop treated both the gentles and the commoners with respect and kindness
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to appease
to lessen the anger or agitation of
employees soon learned that their hot-tempered boss needed to be gentled several times a day
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2
as in to caress
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
soothingly gentled his cat's head as she was being treated by the vet
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3
as in to soften
to lessen the shock of
adding a bit of sugar to the salsa will gentle the hot spiciness of the chili peppers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gentle
Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
He could be described as the kindest, most gentle and caring man.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2024
Glock’s music is historically not a statement of record for the sheepish and the gentle.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2023
Christian Holub, EW.com, 6 Oct. 2023
Not only can gentle strains of honey bees -- if the bees are properly located and carefully managed -- be maintained within populated areas without causing a nuisance, but a resident having an apiary will not increase the number of bees in a neighboring yard.
—John Benson, cleveland, 24 Mar. 2022
See all Example Sentences for gentle 
Adjective
The owner can be heard in the video praising the pup for being gentle with the kitten.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
He could be described as the kindest, most gentle and caring man.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
This gentle for your skin option features collagen, and other ingredients known to help lock in moisture in your skin for reduced risk of eczema breakouts.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2024
Glock’s music is historically not a statement of record for the sheepish and the gentle.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2023
Verb
He would've been gentled by the Seanchan and killed by Ishamael (Fares Fares).
—Christian Holub, EW.com, 6 Oct. 2023
Not only can gentle strains of honey bees -- if the bees are properly located and carefully managed -- be maintained within populated areas without causing a nuisance, but a resident having an apiary will not increase the number of bees in a neighboring yard.
—John Benson, cleveland, 24 Mar. 2022
See all Example Sentences for gentle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentle
Adjective
-
For a soothing, restorative dinner post-cocktails, try MaMou.—
Jenny Adams,
AFAR Media,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Digestive Conditions Ginger is widely known for its soothing effects on the stomach.—
Lauren O'Connor, MS,
Health,
10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Based on fossil evidence, it is believed that the Antarctica of 66 million years ago sported a temperate climate with lush vegetation—an ideal setting for the development of the ancestors of ducks and geese.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Fossil evidence suggests that Antarctica had a temperate climate with lots of vegetation 69 million years ago.—
Margherita Bassi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Such features, which began appearing in high-status homes around the 10th century, were rare and signified a royal or aristocratic residence.—
Ella Jeffries,
Smithsonian Magazine,
4 Feb. 2025
-
Central France has been occupied off and on for thousands of years, by aristocratic families to nomadic tribes.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
In some regards, the third season feels like a soft reset.—
Angie Han,
The Hollywood Reporter,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Many who step away from heavy lash use find their face appears softer and more youthful without them.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
But these days the comparison to an English noble feels weirdly apt.—
Belinda Luscombe,
TIME,
11 Dec. 2024
-
On the day the archaeologists found the Nefertiti bust, German nobles from Saxony were visiting Tell el-Amarna, and Borchardt dashed between his honorable guests and the excavation.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
6 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Evidence showed that ComEd scrambled to give a job to Kathy Laski, purportedly to appease Madigan and McClain.—
Ray Long,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2025
-
Between the lines: Stripe tender offers are becoming an annual tradition as the company seeks to appease employees while continuing to delay an IPO.—
Ryan Lawler,
Axios,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The camera lingers during these moments — made wistful by the music of wind caressing the tree leaves, and by Vikas Urs’ gorgeous landscape cinematography — as the actors pore over each word, pause and emotion.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
28 Jan. 2025
-
The designer had uploaded a video to Instagram stories, caressing the sides of a £1,390 cami from her spring/summer 2025 collection, while packing for the holidays.—
Daniel Rodgers,
Vogue,
2 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The governor took pains to soften his liberal attack dog image, praising the president as a cooperative partner during crisis.—
Lia Russell,
Sacramento Bee,
8 Feb. 2025
-
Add 2 tablespoons oil (3 tablespoons if not using pancetta), onion, and carrots to drippings in Dutch oven; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.—
Julia Levy,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near gentle
Cite this Entry
“Gentle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentle. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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