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Definition of gentlenext
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gentle

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noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gentle

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verb

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 gentle
Adjective
Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing. Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 25 June 2026 Pet owners hunting for a gentler alternative to surgery have latched onto the fungus as a possible answer. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026
Noun
Its gentle without forsaking cleanliness, and leaves skin feeling softer after each use. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2026 Dry plane air often leaves skin feeling dull and dehydrated, but applying a few gentle, moisturizing products can make a big difference. Kaitlyn McInnis, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
Yet he was gentled by his intense spiritualism, as shown by his teaching Sunday School. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Dec. 2024 Such symptoms can be helped by gentling cleaning the outside of your eye with warm water to remove crust and avoiding aggravating your symptoms by scratching or rubbing your eyes. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for gentle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentle
Adjective
  • Seapuri's Scalpy Bubble Tonic is a lightweight foam that delivers a cooling burst of relief thanks to a soothing blend of cica, panthenol, and menthol, while salicylic acid helps dissolve excess oil, flakes, and residue that can leave the scalp feeling congested.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 June 2026
  • The sight of the lumbering actor wearing track clothes and sitting cross-legged while listening to a soothing relaxation tape on headphones is priceless.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Spain's national weather service, Aemet, issued red alerts Tuesday for temperatures of 111 degrees Fahrenheit in southern Andalusia as well as warnings of thermometers hitting 104 degrees in the normally temperate Cantabria and the Basque Country regions along its northern Atlantic coast.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • Spain’s national weather service, Aemet, issued red alerts Tuesday for temperatures of 44 C (111 F) in southern Andalusia as well as warnings of thermometers hitting 40 C (104 F) in the normally temperate Cantabria and the Basque Country regions along its northern Atlantic coast.
    Samuel Petrequin, Fortune, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Sound and The Fury Told by four narrators in a stream of consciousness writing style, this 1929 story describes the downfall of a wealthy Southern aristocratic family, the Compsons.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
  • Because of previous demand, over 20,000 people had been employed in buckle manufacture in the Birmingham area, but when this aristocratic fashion suddenly collapsed in 1786 on the eve of the French Revolution, their trade collapsed along with it.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Recreational swimming is not permitted, yet anglers fishing for tilapia, largemouth bass and carp are a common sight along the rocky sides of the soft-bottom areas.
    Mack Baysinger Follow, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • That first bite delivers the crispy outside with a soft chew of rice, followed by the hot dog.
    Justin Brown, AJC.com, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • While life expectancy was lower during the 15th Century, nobles like Simonetta often lived longer due in part to their wealth.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 June 2026
  • One of these high-ranking British nobles was the Earl of Euston.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • Tauruses usually follow the rules and do what is suggested to thrive and prosper because appeasing others is easier than arguing.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
  • In a 3-0 battering of Scotland, manager Carlo Ancelotti appeased the people of Miami with a Neymar cameo.
    David Hickey, NBC news, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Richer, more concentrated Prosecco with delectable flavors of nectarine tart and apricot preserves with intense minerality and delicate bubbles that caress the palate.
    Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • The Princess Diaries star smiles, caresses her belly, then ducks out of the frame.
    Redazione People, Vanity Fair, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Speaking of glow, Medicube is also marking down their milky toner, which helps boost radiance, soften skin, and increase hydration.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 24 June 2026
  • Grandchildren tend to soften even the most complicated family disputes.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gentle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentle. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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