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
  • The one thing about this show, the nobles, the kings and queens are all terribly interesting.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 23 Feb. 2026
  • 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
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
  • Bullnose's curved profile softens hard, linear edges often found in brickwork and concrete.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The serum in the mascara-like application gently softens and styles fly-aways in a pinch.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Education levels fell not only among soldiers, but among officers, aristocrats, and even emperors.
    Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Dividend aristocrats, or companies that have boosted their payouts in each of the past 25 years, are among the strategies outperforming the broader market in 2026.
    Michelle Fox, CNBC, 2 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
  • 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
  • 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
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 9 Mar. 2026.

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