gently

adverb

Definition of gentlynext
1
as in weakly

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in tenderly

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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 But the man simply stood there with a dazed expression on his face, swaying gently in the living room of their small, cramped flat, like a lone tree in the breeze. — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026 The play is a gently unfolding, calmly delivered tale of the decades of horrors endured by a real-life person named Eddie Jaku. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026 But beyond the pretty bottle, the formula packs a serious skin-care punch, with 5% mandelic acid, azelaic acid, and licorice root to gently improve the appearance of dark underarms. — Glamour, 2 Oct. 2026 The condensation helps baste and gently cook the top without overcooking the chicken. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026 Next, add 5 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026 Popular active components like vitamin C and retinoids are intended to target a real concern, and a botanical routine can reach the same concerns more gently. — Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 If freezing after browning, let the meatballs cool completely before freezing the same way, then thaw and rewarm gently in a low oven before adding them to the pan. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026 Place the rolls spiral-side up in the greased baking dish, pressing down gently on top of each one. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gently
  1. weakly
  2. tenderly
  3. softly
  4. sweetly
  5. delicately
  6. divinely
  7. feebly
  8. compassionately
Adverb
  • The Angels bunted him into scoring position, but Meckler struck out and Trout grounded out weakly.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Led by Arne Güllich, researchers analyzed the developmental histories of 35,000 world-class adults, including Nobel laureates and Olympians, finding early excellence is weakly linked to adult achievement.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of weakly
Adverb
  • Greene, who loves to blur the boundaries between fiction and nonfiction, uses this premise as a way to tenderly explore these people’s lives.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Léo’s tenderly nostalgic reminiscences of past love affairs are slapped down by Emma, who brusquely dismisses his pleasant recollections as mere male projection.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of tenderly
Adverb
  • Oh, and the doors open and close softly at the touch of a button.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Sinatra and Dean Martin croon softly on the speakers (until the occasional Charli xcx track sneaks in).
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of softly
Adverb
  • The actor played the role of the sweetly endearing mouse puppet, a character beloved by children all over the world — and, apparently, Ed Sullivan.
    — Kaja Andric, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Witty and fast-paced but still sweetly skeptical of deep connection, the project’s generally snappy script comes alive through Thompson’s impressive ambition and obvious love for strangers.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of sweetly
Adverb
  • Beyond his sensitivity to light, Zumthor has also delicately handled how the new Beyeler buildings coexist with their environs.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The shoes feature asymmetrical, delicately enveloping lines, and are tapered at the toe.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of delicately
Adverb
  • Trump has long talked about his survival as divinely guided, a theme Vance took up.
    — Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Murder might seem like a harsh punishment for being a greedy guest, but in the poem, Zeus and Athena support and divinely assist Odysseus’s plan to massacre Penelope’s arrogant suitors.
    — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 July 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
  • Psychiatry is the work of building the airplane while flying it carefully, collaboratively, and compassionately, as conditions may change midair.
    — Jennifer Adaeze Okwerekwu, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026
  • When delivered compassionately, a no communicates and models a strong sense of judgment as an executive.
    — Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 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 6 Oct. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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