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

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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
  • While this might sound appeasing to some, the Big Ten is not onboard with this idea, sources told OutKick-FOX News and others.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Interest—from both visitors and islanders—is gently shifting away from polishing playboy yachts or appeasing the decadent whims of retirees, to something, well, more real.
    — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 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
  • That’s because the scent leads with a masculine-leaning opening of almond blossom, pink pepper, and neroli, before softening to its woody vanilla base.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Nike had been using Bugs Bunny in a series of commercials starring Michael Jordan as a means of softening the basketball legend’s intense on-court image and marketing his Air Jordans to families.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of softening
Verb
  • The formula is thick but non-greasy, and coats skin in comforting moisture that leaves you hydrated for hours.
    — Mary Honkus, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Keeley’s problems draw in Rebecca, who spends time comforting her — which leads to Rebecca missing yet another date.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 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
  • The five-piece set includes a plush comforter, throw blanket, shams, and a decorative pillow for calming cohesion, and comes in rich neutrals like creamy beige, midnight blue, and toasty brown.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026
  • It is made with 96% snail secretion filtrate, a humectant-rich ingredient known for calming irritation, fading post-acne marks and supporting skin repair.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of calming
Verb
  • Drake also used the opening portion of the stream to reflect on his recent releases, patting himself on the back a little for dropping three projects at once.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
  • All of this isn’t just Hollywood patting itself on the back, by the way, a self-congratulation that doesn’t make a peep outside the echo chamber/Peacock Theater.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of patting
Verb
  • These natural waters flow from the earth, carrying muscle-soothing minerals; soaking in them is the best way to end a day spent exploring the destination, which is a true hub for outdoor adventure.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Back in South Korea, the skin-care brand has already made a name for itself with its soothing mung bean formulas, which have racked up awards from major K-beauty platforms like Hwahae and, of course, Olive Young.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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