1
as in soothing
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
use a gentle detergent on that delicate silk blouse her gentle ways
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2
as in temperate
marked by temperatures that are neither too high nor too low
whisk the egg yolks in a double boiler set over a gentle heat
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3
as in aristocratic
of high birth, rank, or station
loved reading about the days when gentle lords and ladies danced at fancy balls
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4
as in soft
not loud in pitch or volume
the mother spoke in a gentle voice to her child
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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
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1
as in to appease
to lessen the anger or agitation of
employees soon learned that their hot-tempered boss needed to be gentled several times a day
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2
as in to caress
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
soothingly gentled his cat's head as she was being treated by the vet
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3
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gentle
Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 21 Apr. 2025
Many can be cleaned using gentle soap and water, but check the manufacturer guidelines to follow any specific cleaning techniques.
—Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2024
Glock’s music is historically not a statement of record for the sheepish and the gentle.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2023
Jesse Green, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024
Lee: Agreed—and there are even more of those contrivances popping up around how the One Power seems to function, especially around stilling and gentling and shielding.
—Andrew Cunningham & Lee Hutchinson, Ars Technica, 29 Sep. 2023
See All Example Sentences for gentle
Adjective
The plush microfiber material is gentle on the skin, and the oversized bows add a cute touch to the whole experience.
—Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 21 Apr. 2025
Many can be cleaned using gentle soap and water, but check the manufacturer guidelines to follow any specific cleaning techniques.
—Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
This gentle for your skin option features collagen, and other ingredients known to help lock in moisture in your skin for reduced risk of eczema breakouts.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2024
Glock’s music is historically not a statement of record for the sheepish and the gentle.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2023
Verb
The material doesn’t want sophisticated adults mucking about in it or, worse, gentling its hard edges for commercial consumption.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024
Lee: Agreed—and there are even more of those contrivances popping up around how the One Power seems to function, especially around stilling and gentling and shielding.
—Andrew Cunningham & Lee Hutchinson, Ars Technica, 29 Sep. 2023
See All Example Sentences for gentle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentle
Adjective
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Their look and feeling are soothing and sublime, thanks to the deft hand of noted Spanish interior designer Pilar García-Nieto.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Some models serve purely to create a soothing ambiance, acting as night lights for children, whereas others can be educational tools with accurate renderings of the night sky indoors.—
Tantse Walter,
Space.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Spanish canals operated in a temperate climate and were managed by individual farmers who could maintain or increase their water flow.—
Ari Caramanica,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2025
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In fact, the more temperate weather can be the best time to snuggle up outside, sit by a fire pit, and enjoy a new piece of outdoor furniture.—
Shea Simmons,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
The original show’s focus was Thomas Ravenel and Shep Rose, two male members of the aristocratic class in South Carolina.—
Taylor Crumpton,
Essence,
11 Apr. 2025
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But by the 18th century the Republic of Venice was in decline, and some aristocratic families, though still noble in name, had lost much of their wealth and could not afford a substantial dowry.—
Manuela Callari,
Smithsonian Magazine,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The result is soft, luminous skin that’s also protected from a high UV index.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Made from 100 percent cotton, the hat is soft to the touch and will keep your head cool even on the sunniest days.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Carolingian Empire was indeed in crisis: Elite leaders denounced each other, the economy was shaky, famine stalked the land, nobles plotted coups against the emperor, and armies were on the march.—
Matthew Gabriele,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 Dec. 2024
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Among the intransigent nobles is Gawain’s own father, and Gawain sides with Arthur to defeat him.—
Alan Yuhas,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Just as the elites proved weak, so too did the international order, as shown by the number of countries eager to appease or function as if all is normal.—
Robert Williams,
Time,
24 Apr. 2025
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No, De Bruyne will probably end up at a club looking for a quick one-year fix, with an owner who is happy to make a high-earning vanity signing in an attempt to distract and appease long-suffering supporters after yet another poor season.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Being tenderly caressed physically searched by a Transportation Security Administration agent.—
James Factora,
Them.,
11 Apr. 2025
-
With her usual mastery of dynamics, Laferte starts out sweetly caressing each phrase.—
Jon Pareles,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Add bell peppers to pan; cook until peppers just start to soften, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes.—
Ann Taylor Pittman,
Southern Living,
2 May 2025
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February 2025 Knight of Cups: February invites you to soften your approach to life, to yourself, and to others.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gentle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentle. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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