as in nobles
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in appeases
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in caresses
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 softens
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gentles
Noun
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VIPs included Princesse Lamballe of Italy and the Polignacs, a family of French nobles, including her bestie, the Duchesse de Polignac, along with an attractive buffet of artists, musicians, and actors.—
Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 29 Dec. 2025
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Jonathan Richardson the Elder apprenticed under John Riley, the court painter of English king William of Orange, and made a fine living as a portrait painter of various nobles and notables throughout the first half of the 1700s.—
Verb
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The discharge petition comes as Republicans have failed to put a plan for healthcare forward that appeases all of their caucus, as a small group seeks to work across the aisle for a solution.—
Verb
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Also starring Jack Palance and Fritz Lang, the behind-the-scenes drama about the making of a movie begins with Bardot lying nude on a bed as her husband (Michel Piccoli) caresses and praises her body.—
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Then Jennifer Tilly’s hand gently caresses Gina Gershon’s face from her cheek down to her chin.—
Verb
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January softens your heart while asking you to get honest about your emotional foundations.—
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According to Day, Linen has a quiet quality which instantly warms and softens a space while creating a sense of ease and can make a room feel lived in and relaxed while still giving it a polished look.—
Noun
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The aristocrats of France’s ancien régime did not have to pay taxes.—
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For instance, dividend aristocrats have increased their dividends every year for at least 25 years.—
Verb
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This gentle glycolic serum has salicylic acid (which exfoliates), and raspberry fruit extract (which soothes skin and protects it from free radicals).—
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Best of all, this product instantly soothes and improves the skin’s texture and tone.—
Verb
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The clip, shared by Sarah Ingle (@saraheingle), a dedicated dog fosterer, shows seven-month-old Cookie Crisps nestled in her arms while Ingle gently pats her bottom.—
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As a matter of fact, pats on the back are probably very few and far between.—
Verb
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Strange to say, her mother’s retort comforts her.—
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Ilya even comforts Shane in a moment of panic by calling him his boyfriend, a simple but monumental step for Hollanov, as the internet has dubbed them.—
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Cite this Entry
“Gentles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gentles. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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