gently

adverb

Definition of gentlynext
1
as in weakly

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in tenderly

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example 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 gently Fall Dog Treats These cozy seasonal dog treats are made with simple organic ingredients, gently oven baked in small batches for a soft, flavorful reward inspired by the comforting tastes of fall. — Jessica Moore, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026 Sole4Souls Nationwide organizations also accept items like gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026 Dampen a cotton swab with the alcohol and gently rub the ink stain. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026 Only for the Journal’s editorialists to gently pat presumably a few less than sanguine readers on the head with an allegedly encouraging caveat about legislation that empowers presidents to impose tariffs of the 100% kind on other nations. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Narrow-gauge railroad tracks curve gently up mountain slopes and through groves of the railroad’s namesake trees, now a backdrop for a scenic, one-hour journey back in time. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026 Sprawling acres of largely barren farmland, still owned by the sugarcane plantations that dominated the islands’ economy for a century, line the side of the highway here, gently sloping toward the craggy green cliffs of the Waimea Canyon. — Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026 Presenter Gabby Logan gently teased him for copying the Argentine’s outfit on set, and Rooney laughed along. — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 The flesh should change from translucent to mostly opaque and flake easily when gently pressed with a fork. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 1 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gently
  1. weakly
  2. tenderly
  3. softly
  4. sweetly
  5. delicately
  6. divinely
  7. feebly
  8. compassionately
Adverb
  • Led by Arne Güllich, researchers analyzed the developmental histories of 35,000 world-class adults, including Nobel laureates and Olympians, finding early excellence is weakly linked to adult achievement.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Native traditions have repeatedly been acknowledged in principle – named, counted, formally recognized – but weakly protected in practice.
    — Kerri J. Malloy, The Conversation, 9 July 2026
Definition of weakly
Adverb
  • Acuña swung and missed and hopped on his left leg before walking tenderly back to the dugout.
    — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 24 July 2026
  • Caught in each other’s orbit, tenderly touching their matching neck scars, lovingly attuned to one another.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of tenderly
Adverb
  • If a friend withdraws, reach out softly and offer clear help without pressure.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
  • On a recent Friday evening, a photo shoot was underway in the marble staircase and the restaurant was buzzing softly with locals who’d come to try the creative tasting menus.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of softly
Adverb
  • This Best of Beauty Award winner is paired with the equally zesty bergamot right up top, with Earl Grey tea, orange flower, and jasmine mid-notes bringing a calm, sweetly floral freshness to the heart.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Hochman said Flores simply could have taken notes on the inappropriate comments and turned them in to superiors or the independent inspector general, which strikes me as either sweetly naive or disingenuous.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of sweetly
Adverb
  • The finish is long, warming and delicately oaky with lingering vanilla sweetness.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Remember, the skin around the eyes is the thinnest of the body and should be treated delicately.
    — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of delicately
Adverb
  • Murder might seem like a harsh punishment for being a greedy guest, but in the poem, Zeus and Athena support and divinely assist Odysseus’s plan to massacre Penelope’s arrogant suitors.
    — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 July 2026
  • In speeches acclaiming our nation and our leader, we will be told that we (some of us, anyway) are divinely chosen.
    — Jim Rasenberger, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
Definition of divinely
Adverb
  • Chief swam feebly across, joined the other two horses on the bank, and stood there shaking.
    — Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026
  • Judge lined it feebly into the glove of an outfielder.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Definition of feebly
Adverb
  • When delivered compassionately, a no communicates and models a strong sense of judgment as an executive.
    — Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • We are taxed, compassionately pass bills, paid for with Bonds, attend black tie dinners, and hear about 10-year plans after 10-year plans to solve the problem Sacramento is creating.
    — Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Definition of compassionately

Browse Nearby Words

gentling
gently
gentries
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Cite this Entry

“Gently.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gently. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of gently for Spanish Speakers

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