Definitions

gentility

[jen-til-i-tee] / dʒɛnˈtɪl ɪ ti /

NOUN

sophistication, cultivation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aristocracy civility decorum elegance politeness propriety respectability

STRONG

courtesy courtliness culture elite etiquette flower formality gentlefolk gentry nobility polish quality rank refinement society urbanity

WEAK

blue blood gentle birth good breeding good family good manners high birth mannerliness optimacy ruling class upper class upper crust

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bad manners impoliteness rudeness

WEAK

coarseness crudeness roughness rusticity

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.

Du Maurier’s world is one of pinched gentility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

Its noble gentility has been subtly adding to the DNA of the California sound.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2025

Already masterwork in balancing gentility with explosive rage, the actor blends the spark of a political mover with the oleaginous menace of a mob boss.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2025

Described as a study of masculinity, the collection blended strength and gentility with a focus on refinement.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 22, 2023

It was totally unlike them, this lapse from gentility, and it made them much more interesting.

From "Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie Babbit

Vocabulary lists containing gentility

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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100 SAT Words Beginning with "G"

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Tuck Everlasting

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!