gentling

verb

present participle of gentle
1
as in appeasing
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in caressing
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 softening
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 gentling
  1. appeasing
  2. caressing
  3. softening
  4. comforting
  5. stroking
  6. calming
  7. patting
  8. soothing
Verb
  • The bill now also includes a compromise on stablecoin yield aimed at appeasing banking interests by directing the Treasury secretary to restrict rewards if deposit flight from community banks occurs on a substantial scale.
    — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
  • In 1938, British, French, German and Italian leaders concluded the Munich Agreement, which was aimed at appeasing Adolf Hitler by allowing Nazi annexation of Czechoslovakia’s Sudetenland.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of appeasing
Verb
  • In one video, pop singer Madison Beer was seen caressing Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's face as if the two were shooting a scene straight out of a reality show.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In the snap, Portman, who’s expecting her third baby, her first with partner Tanguy Destable, could be seen standing in front of an apartment balcony in an oversized blue button-down, caressing her stomach.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
Definition of caressing
Verb
  • This shot nails the mural’s vibrant colors and crisp wood-grain details, but upon close inspection, there's some noise and softening on the edges.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide is a rich overnight cream that helps replenish dry skin while softening the look of crepiness, fine lines, and rough texture.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of softening
Verb
  • One of her favorites for just that is Avène Tolérance Foaming Facial Cleanser, which takes that minimalist approach with a short list of skin-comforting ingredients, including thermal spring water, niacinamide, and glycerin.
    — Sheryl George, Allure, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Pumpkin Pound Cake Pair this comforting cake with coffee or ice cream—or both.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of comforting
Verb
  • Guests have reported footsteps in the attic, the feeling of someone stroking their face, a shower rode repeatedly flying off the wall and loud noises from outside the front door when no one is there.
    — Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
  • There was only one other visitor, another mother stroking another small head.
    — Fran Moreland Johns, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
Definition of stroking
Verb
  • Electrodes closer to the forehead stimulate a brain region called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, associated with mood regulation (for example, calming anxiety).
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Blaring Alice Coltrane and Éthiopiques is clearly an excellent, calming way to start her day too.
    — Tarajia Morrell, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of calming
Verb
  • Sprinkle salt mixture all over outside of the turkey as well as inside the cavity of the turkey, patting to adhere and nudging some into every crevice.
    — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Parents said the conversations mostly served as a hand-patting session rather than practical help.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of patting
Verb
  • Or perhaps your scalp has been close to one too many hot tools and could use some soothing ASAP?
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Plan to spend a day soaking in the property's hot springs, which has been soothing visitors since 1886.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of soothing
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

“Gentling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentling. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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