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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That gap between the imagined object and the real one sharpened the launch rather than softening it.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
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And in many quarters, the tone is softening.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Early on, many infected people spread the virus to few people, which generated comforting statistics on average.—
Zeynep Tufekci,
Mercury News,
20 May 2026
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Throughout the day, friends and classmates gathered, wiping away tears, comforting each other and trying to process the sudden loss.—
Shelley Bortz,
CBS News,
18 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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The terrace, with its spacious dining table, is the clear centerpiece of the apartment; though inside, a commitment to minimalism creates a calming atmosphere.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
14 May 2026
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Designed with plush ComfyFleece fabric and supportive memory foam, this dog bed gently cushions joints while the wraparound bolster sides create a secure, calming space for rest and relaxation.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Bill de Blasio had campaigned against aggressive policing, particularly the city’s controversial policy of briefly detaining people and patting them down for weapons.—
Elizabeth Glazer,
The Atlantic,
19 May 2026
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Agents executing a search warrant seized the phone and then found a second phone while patting Sprei down, Wang said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Also at work are soothing honey and chlorella, to keep redness and irritation in check.—
Sarah Felbin,
Allure,
20 May 2026
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Bedazzling is repetitive in the best way—pick up a gem, place a gem, pick up a gem, place a gem—and that rhythm is soothing.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
19 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Gentling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentling. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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