genteel

[jen-teel] / dʒɛnˈtil /

ADJECTIVE

sophisticated, cultured

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aristocratic elegant noble ostentatious polite refined stylish

WEAK

affected artificial chivalrous civil confined courteous courtly cultivated distingué fashionable formal graceful hollow intolerant la-di-da mannerly polished pompous precious pretentious priggish prim prissy prudish respectable strait-laced stuffy urbane well-behaved well-bred well-mannered

Antonyms

STRONGEST

uncivilized unfashionable unrefined unsophisticated

WEAK

boorish callous rough rude rugged uncultured

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Like many small liberal-arts colleges in New England, St. Michael’s campus resembles a postcard from a more genteel era.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

This is simply Sheridan’s pitch for escaping New York, but in a genteel manner.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

The spat led to fears that curling was losing its once genteel image and the Canadians faced criticism in their own national media.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

Pilates, which combines stretching and body weight conditioning exercises, has, for some, a fusty image - a gentle and genteel workout for those of advancing years.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

“That’s not genteel, Aurelia,” said her mother reprovingly.

From "Tiger, Tiger" by Lynne Reid Banks

Vocabulary lists containing genteel

100 SAT Words Beginning with "G"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Johnny Tremain

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Real Nice!

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!