1
as in polite
following the established traditions of refined society and good taste
those bygone days when young women were taught how to drink tea while wearing long gloves and other genteel ways of behaving
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in civilized
having or showing a taste for the fine arts and gracious living
she grew up in genteel old Savannah
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3
as in aristocratic
of high birth, rank, or station
the genteel ladies never mixed with the servants prohibited by reason of her genteel birth from marrying the man she loved
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4
as in gracious
showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners
his genteel gesture of holding the door for the ladies
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of genteel
Photo: Corcoran This corner two-bedroom co-op is well priced, especially considering the neighborhood, its genteel prewar layout, and what appears to be generally quite good condition.
—
Kim Velsey, Curbed, 21 Jan. 2025
For even the least genteel arriviste, owning Mar-a-Lago and endearing oneself to an important Palm Beach charity would guarantee what is called entree, a place on all the right invitation lists and membership at one of the social clubs.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
All this might be a bit much for those who like their international epics more refined and genteel.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024
Only that genteel veneer soon gives way to a more scathing national x-ray, satirizing post-Brexit malaise alongside broader issues of immigration and national identity.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genteel
Kim Velsey, Curbed, 21 Jan. 2025
For even the least genteel arriviste, owning Mar-a-Lago and endearing oneself to an important Palm Beach charity would guarantee what is called entree, a place on all the right invitation lists and membership at one of the social clubs.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
All this might be a bit much for those who like their international epics more refined and genteel.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024
Only that genteel veneer soon gives way to a more scathing national x-ray, satirizing post-Brexit malaise alongside broader issues of immigration and national identity.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genteel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genteel
Adjective
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Though he was disappointed by the loss, Page didn't demonstrate any further wrestling tactics on Seacrest and ended the show with a polite handshake.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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His boss and co-worker remember him as quiet, polite and professional.—
James Bandler,
ProPublica,
25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The lighting is sufficient for patrons to take it all in, and the sound level, despite the size of the room, has been successfully brought down to a civilized level.—
John Mariani,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
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Even a hearing on the proposal to arm school staff is equal parts passionate and civilized, as the majority gun-owning constituents don’t all agree that the Second Amendment should extend to the classroom.—
Lauren Wissot,
IndieWire,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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At Watches and Wonders there will be an immersive booth that reinterprets the grand stables of aristocratic houses, where polo was played on private fields.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
1 Apr. 2025
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The royal engagement of Prince George of England (the Duke of Kent) to Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark reinforced its aristocratic bona fides.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The Mallard Lounge epitomizes the après-ski tradition, providing a gracious transition from active days to relaxed evenings.—
Shelby Knick,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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Mina, worried about her young kids doing the math about her long, grueling commute, cautiously accepts Alma’s gracious offer.—
Manuel Betancourt,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Nitrous oxide inactivates vitamin B12 in the body, a crucial nutrient for the formation of red blood cells and the proper functioning of the nervous system.—
Ella Jeffries,
Smithsonian Magazine,
8 Apr. 2025
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The government insisted the nonprofits didn't have standing to bring this case on behalf of the employees because the employees themselves needed go through the proper, yet limited, channels to challenge their firings, with each employee fighting his or her own battle.—
Christina Gatti,
NPR,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Some research in mice and cultured cells hint that microplastics have the potential to cause damage, and epidemiological research suggests that microplastics are associated with respiratory, digestive, and reproductive issues, as well as colon and lung cancer.—
Hannah Seo,
The Atlantic,
29 Mar. 2025
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Since these cultured muscles are small and ideally flat, nutrients and oxygen from the medium can easily reach every cell in the growing culture.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Because our first priority will be to respect the heritage of a race that’s almost two centuries old, a competition that brings together amateurs in the noblest sense — students of Oxford and Cambridge — and a level of professionalism and excellence that is worthy of the Olympic Games.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
1 Apr. 2025
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The story centers on Krem of the Yellow Hills, who kills an alien girl’s father, prompting her and Supergirl, accompanied by the noble Knolle, to embark on a pursuit for justice.—
Robert Lang,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Philippines: Due to crime, terrorism, and civil unrest—particularly in the southern region of Mindanao.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
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Kim’s legal team has filed criminal complaints against Kim Sae-ron’s family and the YouTube channel, along with a civil lawsuit seeking damages of KRW12 billion (approximately $8.1 million).—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Genteel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genteel. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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