genteel

adjective

jen-ˈtēl How to pronounce genteel (audio)
Definition of genteelnext
1
as in polite
following the established traditions of refined society and good taste those bygone days when young women were taught how to drink tea while wearing long gloves and other genteel ways of behaving

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in civilized
having or showing a taste for the fine arts and gracious living she grew up in genteel old Savannah

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3
as in aristocratic
of high birth, rank, or station the genteel ladies never mixed with the servants prohibited by reason of her genteel birth from marrying the man she loved

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4
as in gracious
showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners his genteel gesture of holding the door for the ladies

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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 genteel Schlather’s approach is the opposite of the genteel Spoleto staging, which invoked the opulent sets and costumes of the Met’s designer, Cecil Beaton, on a smaller stage. — Russell Platt, New Yorker, 20 May 2026 Where Aston’s mid-engine milestone distances itself from its 1,139 hp Valkyrie sibling is in its ability to display a more genteel demeanor in public. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2026 His reputation, as captured by obituaries in the Guardian and the Times of London, is one of genteel melancholy and precise social observation. — Charlie Tyson, Harpers Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026 In this case, a genteel woman’s tradition is set against the sound of military helicopters whirring overhead. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for genteel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genteel
  1. polite
  2. civilized
  3. aristocratic
  4. gracious
  5. proper
  6. cultured
  7. noble
  8. civil
Adjective
  • The thankful and polite, yet rowdy Post Malone was preceded onstage Wednesday by first opening artist Carter Faith and part-coheadliner, part-opener Jelly Roll .
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
  • The service The staff are polite and attentive, and will provide thoughtful touches, such as leaving birthday cakes for guests.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • Her generation was one of thinkers, politically committed to defining how individuals were to be shaped as citizens of a civilized nation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • In Season 3, the team enters Dinopia, a civilized dinosaur world, to face threats endangering both worlds through friendship, courage, and teamwork.
    — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 24 June 2026
Definition of civilized
Adjective
  • As models walked out into the museum gardens with an air of aristocratic tradition, the show became exquisite, almost cinematic.
    — Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • The Sunday Times has reported claims about Farage’s financial relationship with George Cottrell, an aristocratic, crypto-gambling entrepreneur and on-off aide to the Reform UK leader.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of aristocratic
Adjective
  • The Love Goddess Venus enters your sign, spotlighting self-worth and a gracious presence that helps people feel at ease around you.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026
  • Over the years, the Caesars Entertainment team has won over guests with its premier service, glamorous suites, and gracious staff.
    — Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Definition of gracious
Adjective
  • The under-21s returned for pre-season last Monday, initially for testing before their first proper day of training on Thursday.
    — Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • This is just what Harley had built – an out-of-the-box pro-drag bike complete with slicks, wheelie bars, a hissing air-shifter and a proper multi-stage clutch set-up specifically for the drag strip.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 July 2026
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • The collapse of the Gulf pearling industry — which began in the late 1920s on the arrival of cheaper Japanese cultured pearls — brought widespread poverty to the region, until the discovery of oil shortly after.
    — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
  • Olmo’s deftness of touch to set up Porro for Spain’s second goal epitomised Spain’s cultured performance on the ball, but the fact that Spain’s performance was not always aesthetically pleasing will arguably please De la Fuente more.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of cultured
Adjective
  • As a witty nod to the noble milieu and the Sciò family’s former residency, a family tree of portraits by Gucci collaborator Ignasi Monreal, hangs in the piano room outside of the restaurant.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026
  • Warm, fuzzy feelings for noble stupidity are an American thing, especially in politics.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 July 2026
Definition of noble
Adjective
  • Florida's attorney general can collect civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs, while minors can also pursue up to $10,000 in damages.
    — Chloe Albanesius, PC Magazine, 14 July 2026
  • In light of the clashes, the civil grand jury supported the commission’s push to look for outside representation to enforce its role.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of civil

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Cite this Entry

“Genteel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genteel. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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