Synonyms for "gentle"
13 kid-friendly synonyms for gentle, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).
What does "gentle" mean?
The word gentle is an adjective that means: soft and kind in the way you touch or speak.
Example: "Be gentle with the puppy."
Grade K–2Easy synonyms for gentle
Younger kids can use these in place of "gentle":
Grade 3–5Stronger words for gentle
For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:
Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for gentle
Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:
Opposites of gentle (antonyms)
Words that mean the opposite of gentle:
FAQ — synonyms for gentle
What is a good synonym for gentle in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try soft. For older students, "mild" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does gentle have?
We list 13 grade-appropriate synonyms for gentle across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is gentle a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, gentle is used as an adjective.
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