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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in aristocratic
of high birth, rank, or station
loved reading about the days when gentle lords and ladies danced at fancy balls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in soft
not loud in pitch or volume
the mother spoke in a gentle voice to her child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 gentle
Mark Gurarie, Health, 21 June 2025
Soft linen coverlets, cotton quilts, or an airy duvet in this gentle green can instantly update a neutral bed while still feeling calm and sleep-friendly.
—Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 21 June 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
Holding your brush at a 45-degree angle, make gentle, circular motions across your teeth, getting each tooth.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 21 June 2025
Soft linen coverlets, cotton quilts, or an airy duvet in this gentle green can instantly update a neutral bed while still feeling calm and sleep-friendly.
—Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 21 June 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
-
There is something very soothing about sitting down and putting pen to paper, like drinking a hot cup of tea or relaxing in a sauna.—
Nancy Marshall,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
Veterinary Vision says that hearing your voice is very soothing for blind dogs, so talking to your pup often can help comfort them.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
Today, these ants primarily live in undisturbed and temperate eastern North American forests.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 May 2025
-
Best Time to Visit Locals know the fall and winter tend to be the best times to visit St. George Island for temperate weather, smaller crowds, and lower humidity.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
6 May 2025
Adjective
-
Period dramas like Bridgerton, The Gilded Age, and Downton Abbey have fueled a global obsession with aristocratic living—but the real stars of these shows may be the homes themselves.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
-
The Odeon was built in the 2nd Century for musical events and meetings of the aristocratic council.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
In language the rest of us can understand that means a slightly softer and more mellow click that’s quieter and less harsh than teh average mechanical keyboard.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
-
Buy Now: $14,990 13 Pendleton Cotton-Terry Jacquard Towel Photo : Mr Porter These towels are every bit as iconic as Pendleton’s blankets—and every bit as soft, too.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
Despite its remote location, the 18th-century Georgian home was a stopover for a procession of nobles, actors, and writers, like Peter O’Toole, John Steinbeck, Marlon Brando, and Montgomery Clift.—
Erik Morse,
Vogue,
15 Apr. 2025
-
The Board of Rites is tasked with making sure the ceremonies performed by the imperial nobles go off without a hitch, and its members have been dying throughout the series.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
What To Watch For The bill, passed by the House in a party-line vote last month after last-minute revisions to appease Republican holdouts, is being negotiated by the Senate.—
Sara Dorn,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
-
That investigation has resulted in the parties deciding to amend several parts of the initial deal to try and appease both Trump and Xi, an FT report said.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
10 June 2025
Verb
-
There’s a shot of Michele caressing her face, and another of Christopher fingering his wedding ring.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
28 May 2025
-
But Gallardo clandestinely documented her experience there; in the exhibition, a short, lo-fi video shows her hands slowly caressing those of Estela, an ailing senior citizen and former street worker who lived at Casa Xochiquetzal.—
Fabiola Iza,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Freezing is best when using your onions for cooked dishes like soups, stews, sautés, or stir-fries, as the texture will soften after thawing.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
21 June 2025
-
Has the business with Grady softened their stance on him at all?—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gentle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentle. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share