1
as in soothing
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
use a gentle detergent on that delicate silk blouse her gentle ways
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2
as in temperate
marked by temperatures that are neither too high nor too low
whisk the egg yolks in a double boiler set over a gentle heat
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3
as in aristocratic
of high birth, rank, or station
loved reading about the days when gentle lords and ladies danced at fancy balls
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4
as in soft
not loud in pitch or volume
the mother spoke in a gentle voice to her child
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as in noble
a man or woman of high birth or social position
the archbishop treated both the gentles and the commoners with respect and kindness
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1
as in to appease
to lessen the anger or agitation of
employees soon learned that their hot-tempered boss needed to be gentled several times a day
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2
as in to caress
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
soothingly gentled his cat's head as she was being treated by the vet
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3
as in to soften
to lessen the shock of
adding a bit of sugar to the salsa will gentle the hot spiciness of the chili peppers
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gentle
Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
Sharing the stage with Wilke is gentle and endearing actor Andrew Oswald, who plays the legionnaire running the debate, as well as Mike, a gay White man who has seen his rights trampled for most of his adult life, but retains a positive, life-loving spirit.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2024
Glock’s music is historically not a statement of record for the sheepish and the gentle.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2023
Christian Holub, EW.com, 6 Oct. 2023
Not only can gentle strains of honey bees -- if the bees are properly located and carefully managed -- be maintained within populated areas without causing a nuisance, but a resident having an apiary will not increase the number of bees in a neighboring yard.
—John Benson, cleveland, 24 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for gentle
Adjective
Whales are, generally speaking, gentle and curious.
—Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
Sharing the stage with Wilke is gentle and endearing actor Andrew Oswald, who plays the legionnaire running the debate, as well as Mike, a gay White man who has seen his rights trampled for most of his adult life, but retains a positive, life-loving spirit.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
This gentle for your skin option features collagen, and other ingredients known to help lock in moisture in your skin for reduced risk of eczema breakouts.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2024
Glock’s music is historically not a statement of record for the sheepish and the gentle.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2023
Verb
He would've been gentled by the Seanchan and killed by Ishamael (Fares Fares).
—Christian Holub, EW.com, 6 Oct. 2023
Not only can gentle strains of honey bees -- if the bees are properly located and carefully managed -- be maintained within populated areas without causing a nuisance, but a resident having an apiary will not increase the number of bees in a neighboring yard.
—John Benson, cleveland, 24 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for gentle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentle
Adjective
-
Bath bombs, weighted blankets and essential oil diffusers create a soothing environment that’s easier to be stress-free in.—
Christopher Murray,
Fox News,
8 Mar. 2025
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Featuring an antioxidant-rich ingredients list, this clever formula delivers a silky-smooth finish and a lasting soothing effect.—
Denise Primbet,
Glamour,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The 2025 edition is being held in a temperate climate in the middle of the European season, where many of the best players are based.—
Phil Hay,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
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But Bella Hadid has returned from the (marginally) more temperate Texas with a sartorial plan of action.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Sina Villa Matilde About 40 minutes from Turin, this elegant hotel is set in an 18th-century residence that once belonged to the Bishop of Ivrea and later to the aristocratic Bocca family, who is behind Sina Hotels.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Feb. 2025
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The Pinacoteca and its treasures are my neighbors in an area that preserves the blend of aristocratic elegance and popular charm that is one of Milan’s most enchanting qualities.—
Miles Socha for WWD,
ARTnews.com,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Others are naked and seemingly unaware of the viewer, cigarettes in hand and gazes soft.—
Leah Asmelash,
CNN,
26 Feb. 2025
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As for the future, Leopold suggests that soft skills will play a major role.—
Ryan Johnston,
CNBC,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
On the battlefield, the nobles’ cavalry and superior artillery brutally cut down the rebels.—
Michael Bruening,
The Conversation,
25 Feb. 2025
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Caricatures mocking nobles and the clergy encouraged people to rethink their social relationships.—
Marjoleine Kars,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Catch up quick: Stripe tender offers are becoming an annual event as the company seeks to appease employees while continuing to delay an IPO.—
Ryan Lawler,
Axios,
27 Feb. 2025
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The days of appeasing regimes that are hostile to the United States, coddling dictators, and sidelining our national security interests are over.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
On Valentines Day, Rihanna sat with Mayers during another break, gently caressing his cheek while the couple sat on a courtroom bench, surrounded by beefy security guards.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
18 Feb. 2025
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Sultry music is played to set the tone while staff gently introduces attendees to pleasurable sensations—tracing soft touches along their thighs, caressing their décolleté with silky fur, or running fingers through their hair, as well as decorating them with flowers and crystals.—
Aubree Nichols,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The new tariffs on Canada and Mexico had previously been on a monthlong pause, and many critics hoped that they would be softened, or eliminated, before their deadline to resume.—
Kevin Breuninger,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2025
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Notes of sandalwood, seaweed, amber, and sea salt get a bit of a masculine edge from fir that’s then softened with feminine rose, all of which sit very close to the skin.—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
5 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gentle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentle. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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