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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentles
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
  • The one thing about this show, the nobles, the kings and queens are all terribly interesting.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 23 Feb. 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
  • 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
  • Your intense focus thrives when self-judgment softens.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • This gel also softens stool and slows digestion.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The sandwich and parliamentary democracy were made by English aristocrats and remade in America.
    Dominic Green, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Their clients were from a higher economic and social bracket—aristocrats, industrialists, movie directors, record moguls, rock stars.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Best lotions for tattoos This body lotion soothes the itchiness and irritation from a new tattoo.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
  • All told, this is a hotel that cossets and soothes in quiet ways.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 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 23 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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