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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in aristocratic
of high birth, rank, or station
loved reading about the days when gentle lords and ladies danced at fancy balls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in soft
not loud in pitch or volume
the mother spoke in a gentle voice to her child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 gentle
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024
Like Mind Bodhi’s Toe Spacers, these shouldn’t dramatically stretch your toes at first—the spacers are nice and soft for a more gentle sensation.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 16 Dec. 2024
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
John Benson, cleveland, 24 Mar. 2022
While a traditional blow dryer pushes air out and causes frizz, a diffuser will just gentle dry hair without any friction.
—Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 28 July 2022
See all Example Sentences for gentle 
Adjective
In one scene, she is chosen to sing for a live BBC wartime radio broadcast and performs this gentle but defiant song.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024
Like Mind Bodhi’s Toe Spacers, these shouldn’t dramatically stretch your toes at first—the spacers are nice and soft for a more gentle sensation.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 16 Dec. 2024
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
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
While a traditional blow dryer pushes air out and causes frizz, a diffuser will just gentle dry hair without any friction.
—Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 28 July 2022
See all Example Sentences for gentle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentle
Adjective
-
Through a blend of aloe vera, cucumber extract, and soy proteins, this wash aims to remove dirt and makeup, while soothing redness, hydrating skin, and boosting elasticity.Kiana Murden, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024
-
It’s bundled with essential oil sets that offer soothing scents like lavender, jasmine, and citrus—ideal for stress relief, promoting better sleep, or enhancing a cozy atmosphere.Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
There were some horror results — including a 24-1 defeat to Portugal in the Four Nations tournament in 2004 — but progress was always likely to be slow in a country that lacks a ‘court culture’, partly because the temperate nature means outdoor sports can be played year-round.Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
-
Located midway between the Dolomites and the Adriatic, mountain breezes and temperate sea air combine to create a refreshingly cool and rainy climate.Paul Caputo, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
On another rack is a coat made with a tweed that belongs to the family estate of an aristocratic customer.Samantha Conti, WWD, 20 Dec. 2024
-
Gunn describes his take as less of an origin story and more of a journey, with Superman struggling to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage and aristocratic origins with his small-town, adoptive human family.Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Chadwick says that over the last 10 years, football has acted as a glue: managing the country’s image and profile through soft power and diplomacy.Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024
-
The bird thrives in alpine grasslands, feeding on tussock grass by stripping its leaves to reach the soft bases.Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Lafayette was a French noble who had volunteered his service to the Continental Army during the American Revolution and won the trust of George Washington.Elizabeth M. Reese / Made by History, TIME, 26 Nov. 2024
-
One of the most eyebrow-raising anachronisms involves the scene in which a Roman noble is shown sipping tea in a cafe while reading the morning newspaper … 1,200 years before the invention of the printing press.Benjamin Svetkey, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
Chicken Bone Beach was designated a Black district around 1900 as hotel owners sought to appease white guests from the South.Sarah Enelow-Snyder, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2024
-
Congress is racing toward a shutdown at the end of the day Friday, and Republicans appear no closer to finding a path forward that will keep the lights on and appease President-elect Trump.Emily Brooks, The Hill, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Sophia Bush’s Cass is back in the picture after that surprise kiss with Teddy, making Owen jealous by casually caressing Teddy’s arm in the elevator.Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 21 Nov. 2024
-
Its 570 pages, written by hand, have been carefully sorted and caressed to life in a way that few modern books are.Joe Sills, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
Cát Bà Island, Vietnam My memories of Cát Bà Island are faded Polaroids, worn and softened at the edges.Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 16 Dec. 2024
-
Outlander producer breaks down season 7 return, Roger's shocking discovery Jamie softens and, finally, gets it.Lincee Ray, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near gentle
Cite this Entry
“Gentle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentle. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share