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
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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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentling
Verb
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With the Ambassador Bridge and the tunnel being the current passageway, the economist said the Gordie Howe Bridge will alleviate the backups businesses have been seeing and are trying to avoid, while appeasing the many employees who travel back and forth for work.
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Over the past months, Iranian officials have tried to carefully balance negotiations with Trump while appeasing factions across the country’s diverse political landscape, including the Paydari group.
Verb
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The couple posed for photos at the event, drawing attention to their gestating bundle of joy by framing and caressing Palvin’s belly.
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Grudda pushed Barkow's wheelchair through the zoo, her hands caressing her mother's shoulders or pointing out the animals.
Verb
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National polling on the administration’s immigration policies tends to follow party lines, drawing Democrats’ disapproval and Republicans’ support, but recent polling suggests some softening among the latter.
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In France, Le Pen and her allies are leading in polls by softening their apocalyptic rhetoric and instead promising big-government populist economic relief.
Verb
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The Los Angeles guitarist and songwriter touches on grief, rejection, and love in lo-fi shoegaze songs that package sunny melodies with comforting gloom.
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The result is a menu that feels familiar and comforting in some moments, while surprising and playful in others.
Verb
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There was only one other visitor, another mother stroking another small head.
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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.
Verb
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Sensory gardens with calming nature sounds, plants kids are welcome to touch and benches are available to help guests reset in a less stimulating environment.
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CosRx’s The 6 Peptide Skin Booster isn’t just about packing in as many peptides as possible—each peptide has a different job, from supporting elasticity and smoothing fine lines to calming skin and boosting radiance.
Verb
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The one-sided conversation ended with Hocevar patting Wallace on the shoulder — defusing the tension while offering little remorse.
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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.
Verb
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Better yet, soothing ingredients like chamomile flower water and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid keep skin feeling comfortable, so your complexion looks fresh—not overly matte.
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The hummingbird rain chain creates a soothing soundtrack on rainy days and makes a beautiful addition to a front porch.
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Cite this Entry
“Gentling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentling. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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