gentles 1 of 2

noun

plural of gentle
as in nobles
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gentles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of gentle
1
as in appeases
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in caresses
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 softens
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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentles
  1. nobles
  2. appeases
  3. caresses
  4. softens
  5. aristocrats
  6. soothes
  7. pats
  8. comforts
Noun
  • Titian rendered several small dogs, not just in portraits of Italian nobles, but in genre paintings of classical and biblical scenes, too.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Bönan said the aim is to make visitors feel like guests in a prince’s house, much like the nobles and royals who were welcomed and slept under its grand ceilings.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of nobles
Verb
  • This way of handling stress occurs when someone acts calm, appeases the threatening person and retreats to de-escalate the situation.
    — Michele Patterson Ford, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The city’s first street food market appeases the vast spectrum of palates and preferences, from vegans' to meat-lovers', by featuring ten culinary traders who specialize in ethnic fare from Greece to the bayous of Louisiana.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of appeases
Verb
  • As if that same sea that caresses the feet of the palms were doing it now in Tokyo, in your house.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The Princess Diaries star smiles, caresses her belly, then ducks out of the frame.
    — Redazione People, Vanity Fair, 19 June 2026
Definition of caresses
Verb
  • Unlike a traditional body lotion, the moisturizer’s lightweight, milky texture softens skin, smooths rough patches, and relieves dryness sans the greasy film.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 30 Oct. 2026
  • This Quince tee is especially cozy thanks to being made from 100 percent cashmere, which softens more with every wear.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of softens
Noun
  • Founded in 1440, the prestigious institution is one of the most famous and selective schools in the United Kingdom, attended over the centuries by prime ministers, aristocrats, and future monarchs.
    — Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026
  • By the Renaissance, black mourning garments, veils, and headdresses distinguished grieving European aristocrats.
    — Livia Caligor, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of aristocrats
Verb
  • Wear it alone or over makeup as the mineral powder blurs imperfections and soothes the skin with a skin-loving formula.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • While the colloidal gold soothes inflammation and nourishes the skin with antioxidants, hexapeptides smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while damask rose helps strengthen the skin barrier.
    — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of soothes
Verb
  • This refusal to look directly at the shadows is all the more aggravating given how often The Mosquito Bowl pats itself on the back for being clear-eyed.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • As another period begins, Achord pats Melton on the head and Melton pats his coach on the back.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of pats
Verb
  • The pop star spends time with everyone from a man in a neck brace, who comforts him with a kiss atop the head, and a sad pregnant woman in an apron to a bride and an older woman.
    — Rachel DeSantis, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Seattle comforts you with its natural beauty, quieting your mind and heightening your senses.
    — Giovanna Caravetta, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of comforts
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.

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gentleperson
gentles
gentlewoman
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Cite this Entry

“Gentles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentles. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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