1
as in manners
speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding
was full of the same gentility and grace that marked the rest of the family
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nobility
the highest class in a society
as members of the gentility, they felt an obligation to help the less fortunate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gentility
The open secret of workers’ relationship with the gentry, in Eliot, is that their labor makes its gentility possible.
—
Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
The story is in no sense a petition for the return of the monarchy but contrasts Old World gentility with the heartlessness of the surveillance state, culture against the assassination of culture.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024
For all the luxurious trappings of the room, the gentility of the service, the precision of the culinary technique, Kim’s approach at Meju is one of anti-luxury: there are no truffles on the menu, no uni, no caviar.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 3 Dec. 2023
Perhaps because of her lyrical name, or her Southern gentility, Lady Bird has often been misunderstood and underestimated.
—Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for gentility 
Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
The story is in no sense a petition for the return of the monarchy but contrasts Old World gentility with the heartlessness of the surveillance state, culture against the assassination of culture.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024
For all the luxurious trappings of the room, the gentility of the service, the precision of the culinary technique, Kim’s approach at Meju is one of anti-luxury: there are no truffles on the menu, no uni, no caviar.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 3 Dec. 2023
Perhaps because of her lyrical name, or her Southern gentility, Lady Bird has often been misunderstood and underestimated.
—Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for gentility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentility
Noun
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After seeing how reluctant to move the horse was, their older sibling decided to jump in and help delay their owner's departure—albeit, with much gentler manners.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
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For more on how to lose your clothes but not your manners, have a look at our perennial guide to nude beach etiquette.—
CNN,
The Mercury News,
30 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The clearest act of nobility among the crop of pardons that have been handed out came not from a leader but a 71-year-old retired drug and alcohol counselor from Boise, Idaho.—
Belinda Luscombe,
TIME,
23 Jan. 2025
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Though a standard for the style set, the sleek option doubles as a wedding hairstyle fit for English nobility. 26.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
26 Dec. 2024
Noun
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My robes and caftans from the brand are among my most treasured pieces with their unstudied, easy elegance.—
Cora Harrington,
Miami Herald,
30 Jan. 2025
-
Expect the evening to bring all the elegance and star power of Oscars weekend, while staying unapologetically focused on Black women’s narratives and contributions.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
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However, because Edo descends from Italian aristocracy, his father previously told the Daily Mail that any of his children would be counts or nobile donna.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
23 Jan. 2025
-
In the faux aristocracy that is Hollywood, a Blake Lively should not have reason to meaningfully cross paths with a Justin Baldoni.—
Doreen St. Félix,
The New Yorker,
13 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Crank up the gallantry, crank up the generosity: Send a spark of love and novelty into the black cloud.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
21 Jan. 2025
-
There is a back story to Crazy Horse's battlefield gallantry.—
Chip Bell,
Forbes,
14 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The Whitehaven neighborhood had developed in the late 19th century and attracted as residents the Memphis gentry.—
Michael T. Bertrand,
The Conversation,
5 June 2024
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Weather permitting but even in the occasional, rejuvenating drizzle, in wellies and hunting jackets like English gentry, Asher and Carol would tramp the grounds with the trio of dogs manic over every deer or rabbit.—
Lizz Schumer,
Peoplemag,
13 Sep. 2024
Noun
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But the dispute is becoming a proxy for broader debates about civility.—
Niall Stanage,
The Hill,
17 Jan. 2025
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All views are welcome, as long as reasonable civility is maintained.—
Harvey Levine,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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As a consequence, courtesy of semiotics, twentieth-century Mannerism became an explicit critique of precedent, which classical Mannerism had always been—without saying so.—
Mario Carpo,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2025
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Others in the Reddit thread shared their own experiences of passengers disregarding basic courtesy and crew instructions.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
30 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near gentility
Cite this Entry
“Gentility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentility. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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