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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentles

Noun

Baden-Baden has been a spa town since ancient times, luring Roman-era nobles to take the waters there at its natural springs in the Black Forest.

— Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026
Today, the adjacent Palo Castle is still owned by the Odescalchi, nobles of princely rank.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 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

Your 1st House of Identity softens as the nurturing Moon conjoins tender Chiron there, inviting gentle self-care and a kinder inner voice.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
Soak the Pit Place the seed in room-temperature water for 24 to 48 hours, as this softens the outer shell and signals the embryo to wake up.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of softens

Noun

Behind that popularity is a surprisingly rich history — one filled with British aristocrats, an affinity for aquatics and a name that doesn't quite match where the breed actually came from.

— Pat Mueller, USA Today, 24 July 2026
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

Definition of aristocrats

Verb

The formula has caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and aloe extract, which de-puffs, hydrates, plumps, and soothes skin while providing buildable, medium coverage.

— Essence Wiley, InStyle, 30 July 2026
This reduces friction, soothes your skin, and helps make the massage more comfortable.

— Sarah Richards, Verywell Health, 22 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of gentles

noun

verb

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