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
There are contemporary costumes, hairstyles, props, scenic elements and characters’ line delivery, but central character Blanche DuBois seems to exist, both mentally and physically, in the more genteel South of the 1930s.
—
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2025
His fiction is set all over the place—genteel backwaters like Miami, Hollywood, and Atlantic City, with excursions as far afield as the Dominican Republic, Italy, and Israel.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Appropriately, the 31-year-old actress speaks with a genteel British accent—something that might surprise those who know her as Jinny St. George, the ambitious, new-money American girl in The Buccaneers, Apple TV+’s Gilded Age drama, which is currently in its second season.
—Paulina Prosnitz, Air Mail, 28 June 2025
As the three stories become more intertwined, the genteel politeness on display at the start of the film falls away, revealing an unsettling core.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for genteel
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2025
His fiction is set all over the place—genteel backwaters like Miami, Hollywood, and Atlantic City, with excursions as far afield as the Dominican Republic, Italy, and Israel.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Appropriately, the 31-year-old actress speaks with a genteel British accent—something that might surprise those who know her as Jinny St. George, the ambitious, new-money American girl in The Buccaneers, Apple TV+’s Gilded Age drama, which is currently in its second season.
—Paulina Prosnitz, Air Mail, 28 June 2025
As the three stories become more intertwined, the genteel politeness on display at the start of the film falls away, revealing an unsettling core.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for genteel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genteel
Adjective
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The pain of staying polite is losing the sale to someone bolder, faster, and clearer.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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But each polite knockback and odd digression throws out at least one casually sublime spark.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Even the more civilized country to the north of us has the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.—
Walter E Block,
Oc Register,
21 July 2025
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But what civilized nation, confronted with hungry children, would not move to relieve that suffering?—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The psychological drama, which stars Satya Dev in the title role, showcases an elaborate poster featuring the actor in aristocratic regalia surrounded by peacock feathers and ornate details.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
12 Aug. 2025
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The $80,000 price tag includes two people and almost all expenses, including five-star accommodations and a range of one-of-a-kind activities that immerse travelers in Italian culture, history, and aristocratic lifestyle, all in the lap of luxury.—
Rebecca Deurlein,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In almost all respects, Masako—true to her breeding—was the very model of a modest and gracious ojōsan.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
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While people are generally gracious about missteps, recent surges in tourist numbers are starting to strain that vaunted hospitality.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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To get the cast and crew in the proper headspace for filming the crime thriller, Caron hosted a Portland-area screening of John Cassavetes’ Gloria (1980).—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Aug. 2025
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The suit claims the school failed to provide proper protective equipment and training to Wei.—
John Wisely,
Freep.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Ready to get cultured, but not sure where to start?—
Deborah Sengupta Stith,
Austin American Statesman,
31 July 2025
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Founder and creative director Salma Rachid has designed it for a cultured and cosmopolitan clientele.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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By sincerely comforting and relying on each other, their love becomes noble.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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Again, this doesn’t appear to be entirely selfless or noble, as these plans are part of his attempt to get time served for his two convictions of transportation to engage in prostitution.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The documentation to defend against civil claims for damages following IT failures is of similar relevance.—
Dennis-Kenji Kipker,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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Republicans have threatened missing Democrats with civil arrest.—
Ciara McCarthy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Genteel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genteel. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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