GENTLING Synonyms: 144 Similar and Opposite Words

gentling

verb

present participle of gentle

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentling

Verb

There’s been potential discrepancies and a few ballots the machines have declined, but the board has unanimously voted to just make duplicates of those ballots with the same result, appeasing the tabulators.

— Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 8 July 2026
Tauruses usually follow the rules and do what is suggested to thrive and prosper because appeasing others is easier than arguing.

— Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Definition of appeasing

Verb

The couple posed for photos at the event, drawing attention to their gestating bundle of joy by framing and caressing Palvin’s belly.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Grudda pushed Barkow's wheelchair through the zoo, her hands caressing her mother's shoulders or pointing out the animals.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026

Definition of caressing

Verb

The ingredient list includes avocado, which is rich in fats and helps boost flexibility—thereby helping to prevent breakage—as well as sweet almond oil and shea butter for moisturizing and softening.

— Eden Stuart, Glamour, 7 July 2026
In addition to softening and romanticizing looks, these bottoms are extremely comfortable.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 4 July 2026

Definition of softening

Verb

Serve up the comforting flavors of chicken pot pie with less pressure by simply tossing all of the ingredients into your Dutch oven.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026
The upscale American restaurant in SoHo is known for comforting dishes like a French dip sandwich and an ice cream sundae, as well as its savory sour-cream-and-onion martini from the cocktail menu.

— Lily Boyce, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of comforting

Verb

There was only one other visitor, another mother stroking another small head.

— Fran Moreland Johns, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
Alongside Cruise feeding and stroking his dying cat while walking around his mansion with his gut hanging out, there are shots of planes readying for battle and collapsing polar ice caps.

— Brent Lang, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026

Definition of stroking

Verb

Its nourishing, moisturizing ingredients (hello, shea butter and coconut oil) prevent your skin from drying out, while calming niacinamide helps brighten and calm skin.

— Sara Coughlin, Allure, 9 July 2026
Plus, darker tones help muffle visual clutter, creating a calming mood that feels loads richer than your budget might suggest.

— Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026

Definition of calming

Verb

The one-sided conversation ended with Hocevar patting Wallace on the shoulder — defusing the tension while offering little remorse.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 June 2026
If raw red onion is too strong for you, let the slices soak in ice water for 15 to 30 minutes before draining, patting dry, and adding to the salad.

— Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 June 2026

Definition of patting

Verb

The Lillian Area Rug is both grounding and soothing thanks to its cool blue hue; the intricate Persian pattern adds lots of charm, making the rug look more unique and storied.

— Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026
After a long day of running errands in the sweltering Southern heat, there's something cathartic about rewarding all your hard work with a cold, soothing spoonful of your favorite frozen treat.

— Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 10 July 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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gentlewomen

gentling

gently

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“Gentling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentling. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of gentling

verb

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