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
-
On June 15, 1215, rebellious nobles compelled King John of England to sign the Magna Carta.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026 -
One historic pad in London, England, is ready to welcome nobles of the present day.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
30 Mar. 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 7th House of Partnership softens as the Moon arrives, increasing the happiness in one-to-one bonds, platonic or not.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Now those gains are under threat, particularly in oil-importing countries where policymakers may be forced to tighten monetary policy even as growth softens.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Catholic king, James II, was bitterly opposed by the Protestant aristocrats, who feared Catholic domination and French influence.—
David Brooks,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The sandwich and parliamentary democracy were made by English aristocrats and remade in America.—
Dominic Green,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Moon in your 8th House of Delicate Topics soothes handsome Jupiter in your 4th House of Roots.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The moisturizer, which contains a cocktail of potent emollients, deeply hydrates and soothes the skin.—
John Monaco,
InStyle,
1 Apr. 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.
Cite this Entry
“Gentles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentles. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
