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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Over the past month, Iranian officials have tried to carefully balance negotiations with Trump while appeasing powerful factions across the country’s diverse political landscape, including the Paydari group.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026 -
Cuba’s president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, publicly acknowledged discussions between the two governments last week and pledged a series of reforms aimed at appeasing Washington, a concession that indicated both the urgency of the domestic crisis and the vulnerability of the regime.—
Sarah Fitzpatrick,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2026
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.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
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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
Verb
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Hilton cut his teeth in his native UK working in Conservative Party politics, where he was credited with softening the party’s image on issues like the environment.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 2026
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Adding a small amount of baking soda during soaking or cooking may help reduce gas by breaking down some of these compounds and softening the beans.—
Kathleen Ferraro,
Verywell Health,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Comfort shows are comforting for a reason.—
Mark Travers,
CNBC,
7 June 2026
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Our beloved vegetable side dishes and fruit-forward desserts make up the very framework of our flavor memories, conjuring fond smiles with their bright colors and comforting flavors.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
31 May 2026
Verb
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There was only one other visitor, another mother stroking another small head.—
Fran Moreland Johns,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
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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.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Lavender is beloved for its calming fragrance and vibrant purple blooms.—
Martha Stewart,
Martha Stewart,
11 June 2026
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Listen to calming music to reduce tension.—
Craig O. Weber,
Verywell Health,
11 June 2026
Verb
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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
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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.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
2 June 2026
Verb
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But the First Lady’s memoir is the wrong place for such self-soothing rhetoric.—
Amy Davidson Sorkin,
New Yorker,
9 June 2026
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The main ingredients include gentle exfoliating acids like lactic acid and salicylic acid, plus hydrating panthenol and soothing allantoin to minimize irritation and redness.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
8 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Gentling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentling. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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