GENTILITY Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

gentility

noun

jen-ˈti-lə-tē

Definition of gentility

as in manners

speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding was full of the same gentility and grace that marked the rest of the family

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nobility

the highest class in a society as members of the gentility, they felt an obligation to help the less fortunate

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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 gentility In modernizing and Americanizing the Charles Dickens novel, Alfonso Cuarón expunged many of Great Expectations’s subplots in favor of a 1998-friendly romantic drama that cemented Paltrow as an emblem of gentility. — Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 25 Dec. 2025 Ferrara’s arrival in New York City and subsequent entry into the movie business is presented as something like a case of recidivism, a dive from suburban gentility into the cauldron of steaming garbage that was Fun City–era Manhattan. — Nick Pinkerton, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 But this was close to the borderline of gentility. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025 Modesty, gentility, and protocol have no place in the apartment grope. — Nicholas Pileggi, Curbed, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gentility

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentility

Noun

Earlier in the week, after France’s bruising win over Paraguay, a Paraguayan senator launched into a series of vile and racist attacks against Mbappé, questioning his intelligence, his manners, and even his Frenchness.

— Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
Since taking the reins, Warsh has pledged to revamp the Fed’s operations in a variety of manners.

— Jeff Cox, CNBC, 8 July 2026

Definition of manners

Noun

Gustaf Lagerbielke, a 26-year-old center back, comes from a line of nobility, particularly Counts, in his home country.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 26 June 2026
This piece of jewelry, worn by Princess Elisabeth, was a wedding gift from the Belgian nobility to Mathilde on the occasion of her wedding in 1999.

— Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 24 June 2026

Definition of nobility

Noun

Their French 75, which is made with cognac, lemon and muscadet, is a perfect example thanks to a beautiful balance of elegance and ingenuity.

— Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Below a chair rail in this hall and stairway are raised panel inserts, while an elaborate crown molding adds beauty and elegance.

— James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026

Definition of elegance

Noun

Orangeries, once a status symbol for European aristocracy, are a glamorous accoutrement in large town or country houses.

— Zoë Dare Hall, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
At last, Jones also thought, there was a chance to spotlight the dynamic between North Wales‘ working-class community and its aristocracy on the big screen, a corner of Britain’s social history that has long been sidelined.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026

Definition of aristocracy

Noun

During the reception, Princess Kate shared an emotional moment with Tony Gledhill, a former Metropolitan Police officer who received the George Cross for gallantry in 1966.

— Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
In 2020, Magawa received the PDSA Dickin medal for gallantry, which recognizes heroism in animals.

— Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026

Definition of gallantry

Noun

Parker will play Mary Washington, George’s strong willed mother, while Rodgers will play Sally Cary, the charming beauty of the Virginia gentry who first sees his potential.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Grammer will play Lord Fairfax, the unofficial leader of the Virginia gentry who has a complicated relationship to young George Washington as both his crucial mentor and as the father of his romantic rival.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025

Definition of gentry

Noun

The board member who survives every conversation about them has been preserved not by respect but by politeness.

— Audrey Russo, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Good bathroom etiquette here is less about politeness than safety, since a crowded aisle is something the crew would rather avoid.

— Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026

Definition of politeness

Noun

That attentiveness showed up in small ways throughout our stay.

— Alisha Prakash, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026
In the past 15 years, and especially in the last five, our city has seen an influx of pizza restaurants and chefs who’ve brought a diversity of styles and an attentiveness to elevated ingredients and approaches.

— Peter St. Onge Updated June 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026

Definition of attentiveness

Browse Nearby Words

gentilesse

gentility

gentle

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“Gentility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentility. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of gentility

noun

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