GENTLES Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

gentles 1 of 2

noun

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

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

Today, the adjacent Palo Castle is still owned by the Odescalchi, nobles of princely rank.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026
While life expectancy was lower during the 15th Century, nobles like Simonetta often lived longer due in part to their wealth.

— Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 June 2026

Definition of nobles

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

Definition of appeases

Verb

The Princess Diaries star smiles, caresses her belly, then ducks out of the frame.

— Redazione People, Vanity Fair, 19 June 2026
Those of us with a penchant for fashion have managed—not without effort—to put aside the knowing glances, caresses, and hugs to take in every detail of the look.

— Arancha Gamo, Glamour, 7 June 2026

Definition of caresses

Verb

Heading west, the terrain softens into the farmland of Skagit Valley, known for its vibrant tulip fields and charming towns like La Conner.

— Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
Kindness toward yourself softens stubborn self-critique and helps confidence return naturally.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026

Definition of softens

Noun

Perched along the Sea of Marmara, the boutique property sits on the largest of the islands, Büyükada, whose Ottoman-era mansions are where intellectuals and aristocrats held court in the 19th century.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 1 July 2026
These Virginia aristocrats had been raised on the same Enlightenment thinkers—David Hume and Adam Smith, Montesquieu and Voltaire—as John Adams and Samuel Adams had.

— James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

Definition of aristocrats

Verb

Nothing soothes the soul quite like the sun and sand — and, for some people, a giant shade canopy, indoor couch and a table decked out with flatware and a fancy meal.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Though more popular for your skin, when applied to your scalp and strands, the ingredient sloughs off buildup, soothes irritation, reduces dandruff, and controls oil production.

— Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 5 July 2026

Definition of soothes

Verb

In police body camera footage, which Feder shared with WCCO, Feder gets out with his hands up and an officer pats him down.

— Ashley Grams, CBS News, 12 July 2026
Each function compares itself to that function at other companies of similar scale and the functional leader pats themselves on the back for being ahead or at least not behind.

— Keith Ferrazzi, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Definition of pats

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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“Gentles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentles. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of gentles

noun

verb

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