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Showing results for gentility. Search instead for centilit.
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.

As Hemingway exclaimed in the voice of Jake Barnes, “It’s funny what a wonderful gentility you get in the bar of a big hotel.”

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2025

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

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

From Seattle Times • Jun. 22, 2023

He admired the gentility of the city’s citizens and the cleanliness of its streets.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.