ungentle

adjective

ˌən-ˈjen-tᵊl How to pronounce ungentle (audio)
Definition of ungentlenext
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance a demanding and ungentle land that was not for the fainthearted

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 ungentle Notes From an Apocalypse is a gentle argument for coming to terms with the precarity of life, published in a moment where people are facing its fragility in an immediate and ungentle context. — Kate Knibbs, Wired, 16 Apr. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ungentle
  1. gruff
  2. stern
  3. grim
  4. fierce
  5. intimidating
  6. rugged
  7. hostile
  8. severe
Adjective
  • When Duffy walked out humbly to the stage, with a gentle handwave and smile, Dupree removed his cap atop his long rocker ponytail, put his gruff hand on Duffy’s lean shoulder and asked the crowd for a moment of silence.
    — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Tyler Hoechlin will play her love interest, Brendan, a gruff fishing boat captain.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • Raudel’s mother, Vivian Texidor, couldn’t bring herself to show the photo of her son with his stern expression.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
  • All of Disney’s cruise ships feature unique Disney characters on their stern, bow and atrium, who embody the spirit of the ship.
    — Eve Chen, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • Pittsburgh Penguins fans never stop traveling for road games, even when times are grim.
    — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Lee wanted to get back on stage from the moment the band said goodbye in August of 2015, but confirming the tour meant many months of grim-faced work.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of grim
Adjective
  • Once known for his fierce striking, power leg kicks, wheel kicks and punches.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • There's fierce competition among the seven other receivers on the camp roster for an opening day roster spot.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • The record is 92,003, an intimidating number that AT&T Stadium can easily accommodate, and a figure that is an unspoken goal for an event coming to Arlington this month.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The nozzle is also relatively easy to access and replace from the front of the toolhead, making swaps and maintenance far less intimidating than on many older enthusiast printers.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of intimidating
Adjective
  • For instance, try balancing out the rugged look with feminine shorts like the LyreBird Silken Lace-Trim Shorts.
    — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Summary The 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro emerges as a powerful, rugged, and handsome truck, despite its premium price and massive size.
    — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of rugged
Adjective
  • Alice and Gemma really don’t seem to get along, and neither seems inclined to back down from their hostile postures.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The true target of the strike was Turkey, which has grown increasingly hostile toward Israel since the war in Gaza, and over its differing approach to Syria.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • Panettiere has long been candid about her struggles navigating child stardom and fame, often opening up about her experiences with severe postpartum depression (PPD), addiction, and anxiety.
    — Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The afternoon storm cluster has largely removed the greatest instability from our region, so the severe threat is expected to stay low.
    — Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of severe

Browse Nearby Words

ungenteel
ungentle
ungentlemanly
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Cite this Entry

“Ungentle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ungentle. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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