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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gentle
Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
For everyday washing, Consumer Reports and FDA guidance recommend low-pressure running water for at least 20 seconds with gentle rubbing.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2026
Dry plane air often leaves skin feeling dull and dehydrated, but applying a few gentle, moisturizing products can make a big difference.
—Kaitlyn McInnis, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2025
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
Friends and committees have already outlined a number of plans to erect a memorial, possibly a roadside park, as a gentle reminder.
—Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
For everyday washing, Consumer Reports and FDA guidance recommend low-pressure running water for at least 20 seconds with gentle rubbing.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
Its gentle without forsaking cleanliness, and leaves skin feeling softer after each use.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2026
Dry plane air often leaves skin feeling dull and dehydrated, but applying a few gentle, moisturizing products can make a big difference.
—Kaitlyn McInnis, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2025
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
-
The formula includes soothing hydrators such as glycerin, dimethicone, and glyceryl behenate, plus antioxidants (vitamin E and C derivatives) to help calm and protect the skin.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The design is modern and clean-lined with soaring peaked ceilings, lots of dark wood, soothing white and neutral accents and, importantly, private outdoor space.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The answer was right under its nose—the original site of Art Basel, the namesake of the companies’ major cultural piece of IP, which also happens to be within the serene borders of Switzerland but in a more temperate Rhineland climate.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
20 Mar. 2026
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Based on these parameters, scientists estimate the planet’s equilibrium temperature to be around 368 K, placing it in a relatively warm but still temperate range for rocky exoplanets.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The poisoning of a champion stallion opens an investigation that starts to expose tensions and secrets inside an aristocratic horse breeding dynasty.—
Emiliano de Pablos,
Variety,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The series begins with her and Jolyon’s wedding, and Francis certainly thinks that her six-episode season will be about ensuring her family’s ascendency into aristocratic society by finding a suitable match for her daughter June (Justine Emma Moore).—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This is not to say that Rødland has gone soft, exactly, though the show does include two tender shots of his own young children.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Inside, the forest green walls, soft, cozy lighting and vintage decor only add to the element of whimsy.—
Samantha Husted,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There’s also just one overwhelming evil force in this play — the Nazis — whereas Dumas had his musketeers fighting not just ruthless government officials but royalty, religious leaders and nobles.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
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The one thing about this show, the nobles, the kings and queens are all terribly interesting.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Cuba’s president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, publicly acknowledged discussions between the two governments last week and pledged a series of reforms aimed at appeasing Washington, a concession that indicated both the urgency of the domestic crisis and the vulnerability of the regime.—
Sarah Fitzpatrick,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2026
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While the university officials pointed to finances and low student demand, some professors view the move as a part of a broader effort to appease conservative priorities for higher education, even though the private school operates outside state oversight.—
Jessica Ma,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Their voices caress each other as much as their wandering fingers do as two of country music’s best collaborators each add another blockbuster duet to their repertoire.—
Melinda Newman,
Billboard,
13 Mar. 2026
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The basis of the important therapy stems from studies showing that holding and caressing an animal provides benefits such as relaxation, lower blood pressure, decreasing anxiety, and increasing positivity, according to the news release.—
Dawn Giangiulio,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Capricorn December 22 – January 19 Early tension softens with thoughtful pacing.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Mar. 2026
-
December 22 – January 19 Early tension softens with thoughtful pacing.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gentle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentle. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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