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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gentle
Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Elderly consumers, who might seek gentle relief for aches or the comfort of a familiar ritual, are left stranded.
—Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 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
Jessica Copeland, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for gentle
Adjective
One commenter offers gentle but firm advice.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Elderly consumers, who might seek gentle relief for aches or the comfort of a familiar ritual, are left stranded.
—Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 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
From transformative serums to gentle yet effective cleansers, this list has something for everyone to add to their skincare routine.
—Jessica Copeland, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for gentle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentle
Adjective
-
Everyday Dal The warming, soothing and downright healing effects of dal are well known throughout South Asia and its diaspora.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
Denver Post,
22 Oct. 2025
-
The formula itself is quite gentle—hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin B5, and the label’s prebiotic thermal water come together for a versatile serum apt at hydrating, soothing, and strengthening the skin barrier.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Yes, holiday cactus thrives outside during summer in temperate conditions.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Winter is also a good time to plant bare-root trees and hardy shrubs in temperate climates.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Despite initial criticism that the updates were too aristocratic or extravagant, according to the White House Historical Association, the architecture is now an integral part of the White House’s appearance.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
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When both young people meet their end the Baron saves Christina by putting Hans’ brain in Christina’s body, uniting their blurred identities in a joint thirst for revenge, creating a Gothic avenger who hunts down the aristocratic ruffians who ruined their happiness.—
Rory Doherty,
Vulture,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Dress up your bedroom with a new seven-piece comforter set or sink into something super soft like the Bedsure fluffy comforter.—
Sheri Kaz,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Thousands of reviewers have highlighted how soft and cozy the pad feels.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Caesar is a conspiracy of nobles; the removal of hundreds of (alleged) Venezuelan gang members is the action of ICE.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Oct. 2025
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Or Florian Geyer, a noble who also led peasant armies and was finally knifed by an assassin.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The statement could have also been to appease producer groups to some extent who are against these import ideas.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
-
This does nothing to appease Robert’s obsession.—
Kirk Honeycutt,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In a video shared by the Broncos from the unveiling, Smith is seen carefully caressed the statue of her son's face just after the curtain drops.—
Natasha Dye,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Then Jennifer Tilly’s hand gently caresses Gina Gershon’s face from her cheek down to her chin.—
James Factora,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The reading brought a sigh of relief, easing concerns that the economy was facing a double whammy of a softening labor market with reaccelerating inflation.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Weekly cattle and wholesale prices softened from daily highs set in late August but remained historically elevated.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gentle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentle. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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