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
Verb
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So far, efforts at appeasing the MAGA outrage machine have only backfired.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
20 Sep. 2025 -
Trump took a step toward appeasing his critics in the Republican Party by urging European allies over the weekend to move first on Russia sanctions.—
Alexander Bolton,
The Hill,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Young Pope star was seen caressing Coan’s back and whispering in her ear.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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The singer was spotted in pictures shared to social media, gently caressing the baby bump of his romantic partner.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
3 Sep. 2019
Verb
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Nozawa approached the decor with the goal of softening the architecture's hard lines and surfaces, while channeling the color palette of the building materials.—
Monika Biegler Eyers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Oct. 2025
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Speaking in New York, the central bank policymaker noted risks to both higher inflation and a softening labor market that are keeping officials on their toes.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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These tender beans cook up rich and comforting with smoky bacon and ham, spice and heat from the serrano and ancho chili powder.—
Marianne Williams,
Southern Living,
30 Sep. 2025
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The collection’s other two varieties also fit the theme of nostalgic, comforting flavors that Stiller enjoyed as a kid.—
Erin Clements,
PEOPLE,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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One game, especially one so dominated by the defense, certainly isn’t enough to decide whether this is even an issue, but noted QB whisperer O’Connell has to be stroking his chin.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
22 Sep. 2025
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But Ethan’s out there getting loose and stroking it.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Create a ritual Creating calming rituals around mealtimes can also help bring more awareness—and in turn, lower cortisol.—
Violeta Valdés,
Vogue,
1 Oct. 2025
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Another bedroom, by Eve Robinson Associates, is meant to be a calming respite away from the hustle and bustle of New York.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Keep your greens crisp by draining, rinsing, and patting them dry before using.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
2 Sep. 2025
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At times, its puzzle-solving and chaotic arcade shooting felt like patting your head while rubbing your stomach.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
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There’s this North Star patchwork quilt that blends soothing fall colors and looks great in any season.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
2 Oct. 2025
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To that end, Martinez also recommends finishing the meal with a hot drink to enhance the feel-good effect—especially if the drink contains adaptogens that are known for soothing the body and mind.—
Violeta Valdés,
Vogue,
1 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Gentling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentling. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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