gentles 1 of 2

Definition of gentlesnext
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

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gentles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of gentle
1
2
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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentles
Noun
  • On June 15, 1215, rebellious nobles compelled King John of England to sign the Magna Carta.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
  • One historic pad in London, England, is ready to welcome nobles of the present day.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The menu appeases a multitude of appetites.
    Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2026
  • The discharge petition comes as Republicans have failed to put a plan for healthcare forward that appeases all of their caucus, as a small group seeks to work across the aisle for a solution.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • And through all this, Saariaho’s elaborately beautiful orchestration scintillates, jabs, caresses, and swerves, giving all that vivid misery a sheen of lyric glamour.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Also starring Jack Palance and Fritz Lang, the behind-the-scenes drama about the making of a movie begins with Bardot lying nude on a bed as her husband (Michel Piccoli) caresses and praises her body.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 28 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • According to Charles Schwab, nearly 40% of individuals with $1 million-plus investible assets say travel will be their luxury spend, even as spending on traditional luxury goods softens.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 15 Apr. 2026
  • After chopping, let the tomatoes sit with the garlic and vinegar for at least 30 minutes, until everything softens.
    Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The former shared their hobby with Javanese aristocrats and other elites, and the latter collaborated with local artisans who supplied the materials to serve Indonesian customers.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 17 Apr. 2026
  • War is the backdrop of Amy Ephron’s latest novel, a suspenseful noir that travels between the bohemians of Greenwich Village and the aristocrats of uptown.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, arrowroot extract adds volume, aloe vera extract adds a bit of shine (to prevent chalkiness and dullness), and celery root extract soothes the scalp.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The wide-mouthed container is designed for easy application, plus this butter soothes and moisturizes other dry skin areas like lips, cuticles, and feet.
    Pamela Brill, Parents, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • During the performance, the singer kneels down to hand Fox the award and pats his head before continuing on.
    Luzdelia Caballero, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Inside the facility, Angela empties her pockets, a guard scans her with a metal-detection wand, pats her down and asks her to spread her legs.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Nothing comforts quite like a spoon bread does.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The nurturing Moon comforts therapeutic Chiron, brightening your 5th House of Amusement — this is your moment to attempt a new way of expressing yourself without judging yourself.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2026
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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Cite this Entry

“Gentles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentles. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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