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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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
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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.
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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
In this case, a genteel woman’s tradition is set against the sound of military helicopters whirring overhead.
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Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
15 Apr. 2026
That’s why the institution of the post-presidency has traditionally functioned as a genteel club in which constraints of professional courtesy restrain former presidents from commenting on the work of the current officeholder.
—
Scott Curran,
Time,
10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for genteel
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
In this case, a genteel woman’s tradition is set against the sound of military helicopters whirring overhead.
—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
15 Apr. 2026
That’s why the institution of the post-presidency has traditionally functioned as a genteel club in which constraints of professional courtesy restrain former presidents from commenting on the work of the current officeholder.
—
Scott Curran,
Time,
10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for genteel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genteel
Adjective
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Now the top of the list is alignment, which is a polite word for influence.
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My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a trivial note.
Adjective
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In Season 3, the team enters Dinopia, a civilized dinosaur world, to face threats endangering both worlds through friendship, courage, and teamwork.
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The chaos in Ithaca may be political and ethical—a violation of custom—but stretches of the poem are barbarous and wild, beyond civilized life altogether.
Adjective
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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.
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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.
Adjective
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The axe came down swiftly and brutally, but, speaking candidly, Geoff Daniels, PBS’ Vice President, Programming & Development, was gracious about it, thanking the audience of mostly media industry people for their camaraderie.
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The gracious — and perfectly acceptable — way is not to serve alcohol to anyone.
Adjective
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While some of the wives wouldn’t bother coming to games every Sunday, Michel said, many of the children saw the Feeney fathers as proper heroes.
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Files, buffers, cuticle tools and even gel systems can last for months or years with proper care, which means the math tilts in favor of DIY after just a few uses.
Adjective
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Clean Cultured Marble These same cleaning supplies and methods can be used to clean cultured marble bathroom vanity tops and sinks.
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Some butter is cultured by adding lactic acid bacteria.
Adjective
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Baelor Targaryen Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel) — often called Baelor Breakspear — is a noble and widely respected Targaryen prince known for his honor, leadership and skill in battle.
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Unknown is whether the current Flora Macdonald Johnston is descended from her ferociously patriotic namesake – pictured above is the 1749 Allan Ramsay portrait of the noble Scotswoman that hangs in Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum.
Adjective
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The achievement also reflects the benefits of Dassault’s unique expertise across both civil and military aviation sectors, which has long been a cornerstone of the company’s success.
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The two firms paid civil penalties of $225,000 and $175,000.
Cite this Entry
“Genteel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genteel. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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