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
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The son of Italian nobles, Baldassare Castiglione’s main claim to fame was writing a book of etiquette based on his experience as a courtier, a person who serves as an attendant to a king, queen, or other member of a royal family.—
René Ostberg,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
7 May 2026 -
Mexican nobles couldn’t keep household help.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
4 May 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
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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
-
The famous voice occasionally softens into a murmur.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 May 2026
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The chart has improved, ETF inflows have returned, and the macro backdrop is starting to accommodate as the dollar softens and markets respond to easing geopolitical stress.—
Tony Zhang,
CNBC,
6 May 2026
Noun
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Intriguingly, the 140 selections on view, ranging from vases to books, Buddhist figurines to landscape painting, literati desk accessories to official portraiture, look nothing at all like the art favored by European aristocrats arrayed elsewhere in the Art Institute.—
Lori Waxman,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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In 1811 it was converted into a hotel and became the go-to destination for those on the Grand Tour, the journey across continental Europe that young aristocrats undertook to perfect their education.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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For extra calming, centella ansiatica further soothes redness.—
Rosa Jisoo Pyo,
Vogue,
8 May 2026
-
For designer Anita Yokota, Benjamin Moore’s Smoky Blue is a standout—a soothing, nature-nodding hue that soothes on sight.—
Marisa Suzanne Martin,
The Spruce,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But when Sandel saw more chimps appear, the primates did not reunite in their typical fashion of loud screaming, pats on the back and holding hands.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2026
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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
Verb
-
Nothing comforts quite like a spoon bread does.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2026
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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
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Cite this Entry
“Gentles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentles. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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