GENTEEL Synonyms: 249 Similar and Opposite Words

genteel

adjective

jen-ˈtēl

Definition of genteel

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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gracious

showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners his genteel gesture of holding the door for the ladies

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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 genteel In summer, guests appeared to be genteel, sophisticated middle-aged couples in Patagonia vests who had come for a long weekend of hiking, fishing, and horseback riding—or young families on a short vacation. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026 The Harlequin This MacKenzie-Childs butter dish channels such genteel things as a lively chess game, or the tiled floors of Westminster Abbey. — Clara Hillis, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2026 The Hezlep House, completed in 1968, is one of his few remaining homes in San Marino, a leafy, genteel city bordering Pasadena. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026 Celebrated for its genteel Scandinavian minimalism, the brand embraces a deliberate and elevated design philosophy that captivates with its uniqueness. — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for genteel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for genteel

Adjective

The conversations remained cordial, despite vehement disagreements at times, with Talarico and the voters engaging in polite small talk before delving into, at times, heavy topics.

— Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
The application moves away from last-minute stress, unwanted items, and polite pretense, establishing a modern channel for intentional giving.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of polite

Adjective

Kumari plays Sahibjaan, born in a graveyard to a courtesan who was spurned by her husband’s aristocratic family.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
The new European aristocratic romance, which has its world premiere at international TV conference Mipcom tonight, ditches the fairy tale for a more realistic take on an ordinary girl who finds her prince.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of aristocratic

Adjective

No Camas coach would talk (although one, along with a school administrator, was gracious to me), and the boy's mother wouldn't acknowledge my presence Saturday.

— Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Overcast Milan was looking even grayer than I’d have liked, but I was heartened by a gracious welcome at the Park Hyatt, tucked away on a side street of the Piazza del Duomo.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of gracious

Adjective

This should be the proper way to handle things, whenever these idiot artists decide to rant.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Among the errors cited in the August 6 report is a failure to allow proper curing (drying) time for the caulk applied to the expansion joints that separate the basin’s concrete slabs.

— News Desk, Artforum, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of proper

Adjective

In the cursed days of auto-sync, pre-mixed sets, and the celebrity spinner, few have done as much to defend the noble art of the DJ as Felix Manuel, aka Djrum, a selector who combines galactically expansive taste with equally vast technical skill.

— Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2026
They are fueled by the noble goal of encouraging healthy habits but run the risk of feeling accusatory, rendering the subject unbroachable.

— Will Boyd, Baltimore Sun, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of noble

Adjective

Widespread civil unrest over teacher shortages and economic hardship escalated across France over the weekend as rioters clashed with police and stormed public buildings.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
Background checks must now encompass any pending or settled civil cases.

— Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of civil

Browse Nearby Words

gent

genteel

genteelism

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“Genteel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genteel. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of genteel

adjective

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