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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Noun
-
Published in 1842, Poe’s story follows Prince Prospero, who retreats with a group of nobles into a fortified abbey as a deadly plague ravages the countryside.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026 -
VIPs included Princesse Lamballe of Italy and the Polignacs, a family of French nobles, including her bestie, the Duchesse de Polignac, along with an attractive buffet of artists, musicians, and actors.—
Serena Turner,
Vanity Fair,
29 Dec. 2025
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
-
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
-
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 reason that toum works better than fresh garlic is because toum is made by blending fresh garlic with olive oil until the garlic becomes suspended in thick, emulsified foam that softens the garlic’s sharp flavor.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Each is made in Scotland, where a wash in pure local spring water softens the yarns even further.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In 1999, the Labour government of then-Prime Minister Tony Blair evicted most of the more than 750 hereditary peers, though to avoid an aristocrats’ rebellion, 92 were allowed to remain temporarily.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
And it’s all housed inside a glamorous 120-year-old building sat beneath the towering Alps in northern Italy, long a retreat for aristocrats and dignitaries alike—and now, of course, folks devoted to that seemingly elusive goal of reaching the pinnacle of health.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Food digests more quickly and moves through your body easier, which soothes indigestion.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The titular azelaic acid decongests pores, kills bacteria, soothes inflammation, sloughs off dead cells, and smooths uneven texture.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
-
Trump has a video conference with French First Lady Brigitte Macron to discuss initiatives to end cyberbullying, meets with Queen Rania of Jordan to discuss helping foster children and comforts former Hamas hostage Aviva Siegel.—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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The base blends sesame and rice bran oils for a cushiony, fast-absorbing texture that immediately comforts dry skin.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
23 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Gentles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentles. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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