ungentle

adjective

ˌən-ˈjen-tᵊl How to pronounce ungentle (audio)
Definition of ungentlenext
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance a demanding and ungentle land that was not for the fainthearted

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 ungentle Notes From an Apocalypse is a gentle argument for coming to terms with the precarity of life, published in a moment where people are facing its fragility in an immediate and ungentle context. — Kate Knibbs, Wired, 16 Apr. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ungentle
  1. gruff
  2. stern
  3. grim
  4. fierce
  5. intimidating
  6. rugged
  7. hostile
  8. severe
Adjective
  • Homer’s character, notorious as a schemer, here comes off as plain and direct—a gruff, practical tactician, rather than something more energetically inventive and morally dubious.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
  • The New Zealander drew international acclaim for roles as gruff loners and unhinged villains.
    — Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 13 July 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • In Elliott’s Connecticut, the governor would send a busload of stern but compassionate counselors to protect workers hiding in their office where a gunman lurks.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
  • Burnham brings a more relaxed style of leadership than the rather stern Starmer, and is regarded as one of the Labour Party’s best communicators.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • Despite a nerve-wracking 1-0 start (before Bellingham knocked in a deuce), Jagger was seen looking grim and pacing around the VIP box.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
  • The current media environment is so grim that critique of anything has become radically attenuated.
    — Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 11 July 2026
Definition of grim
Adjective
  • Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • The Pride and Angel City have established a fierce rivalry in their short history.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • Still, this ambitious movie adaptation’s pedigree might just be more intimidating than any of the game’s brutally difficult boss battles.
    — Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026
  • More premium than the Kawasaki KLX300SM, more race-focused than the Suzuki DR-Z4SM, lighter and more competition-oriented than the KTM 390 SMC R, and most importantly, considerably cheaper and less intimidating than the Hypermotard 698 Mono.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 July 2026
Definition of intimidating
Adjective
  • California is returning a stretch of rugged Mendocino County coast to the Indigenous nations whose ancestors once stewarded its shores.
    — Alex Wigglesworth Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 5 July 2026
  • California is returning a stretch of rugged Mendocino County coast to the Indigenous nations whose ancestors once stewarded its shores.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of rugged
Adjective
  • The recruits will be deployed in Malaysia and tested in the hostile jungle environment.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Ibiza is hostile to new club owners, and Ushuaïa faced the usual onslaught.
    — Max Marshall, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • Ruffian, racing on the lead, sustains a severe leg injury and is pulled up by jockey Jacinto Vasquez.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The incident occurred on Sunday, July 5, near the front entrance of the Austell theme park after severe weather hit the area, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
    — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Definition of severe

Browse Nearby Words

ungenteel
ungentle
ungentlemanly
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Cite this Entry

“Ungentle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ungentle. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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