gently

adverb

Definition of gentlynext
1
as in weakly

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in tenderly

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of gently Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control. — Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026 To use, simply grind the chalk gently near the wall’s blemish to pack the dust into the opening. — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 5 July 2026 Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control. — Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026 Spread with butter and sprinkle with filling, leaving a 1/2-inch border on one long side; pat gently. — Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026 If any residue remains, gently scrape it with the plastic scraper. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026 Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026 Roll it gently between your thumb and fingers. — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 Use your opposite hand to gently pull the arm closer to your body. — Rikkilynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 24 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gently
  1. weakly
  2. tenderly
  3. softly
  4. sweetly
  5. delicately
  6. divinely
  7. feebly
  8. compassionately
Adverb
  • Native traditions have repeatedly been acknowledged in principle – named, counted, formally recognized – but weakly protected in practice.
    — Kerri J. Malloy, The Conversation, 9 July 2026
  • Molecular design matters Unlike conventional porous carbon materials that interact weakly with polysulfides, covalent organic frameworks can be engineered with precise pore structures and chemical functionalities.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Definition of weakly
Adverb
  • In that touching moment, Rob-Will, the son of formidable family ranch owner Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening), hugs his daughter tenderly.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • This Franco-Swiss film from director Claude Barras deploys tenderly expressive puppets to tell the story of a boy placed in an orphanage after inadvertently killing his alcoholic mother.
    — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
Definition of tenderly
Adverb
  • There are not many places in the Caribbean that speak this softly and still land this hard.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Place the hands on the floor in front of the feet, bending the knees softly if needed.
    — Mallory Creveling, Health, 9 July 2026
Definition of softly
Adverb
  • His equaliser against Norway featured another stomping run and sweetly struck finish, emphatically done all by himself.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 13 July 2026
  • Johansen, sporting an all-black outfit, crouches down next to him and sweetly rests her head on his shoulder.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Definition of sweetly
Adverb
  • The capers and sauce made for a delicately delicious fish dish served with a side of artichoke hearts and fingerling potatoes.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 16 July 2026
  • Her nude lip, lined ever so delicately with a skin-complementing brown, matched the visage.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 July 2026
Definition of delicately
Adverb
  • In speeches acclaiming our nation and our leader, we will be told that we (some of us, anyway) are divinely chosen.
    — Jim Rasenberger, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
  • The first-class crew are divinely shady, with willowy Brooke Lynn Hytes making Amber a kind of drag Disney villainess.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
Definition of divinely
Adverb
  • Chief swam feebly across, joined the other two horses on the bank, and stood there shaking.
    — Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026
  • Judge lined it feebly into the glove of an outfielder.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Definition of feebly
Adverb
  • We are taxed, compassionately pass bills, paid for with Bonds, attend black tie dinners, and hear about 10-year plans after 10-year plans to solve the problem Sacramento is creating.
    — Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
  • In this story the problem is treated intimately and compassionately by a woman who knows all about it.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of compassionately

Browse Nearby Words

gentling
gently
gentries
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Cite this Entry

“Gently.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gently. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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