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

So what this shows about Richard Mack is that, in his eyes, one of the appeals of the constitutional sheriff movement is that they represent a sort of gentility that doesn't exist in policing anymore.

From Salon • Sep. 28, 2024

Yet, thanks to Cloud, who brought gentleness and gentility to the role, the character could never be easily written off, or out, as a gangland plot device.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2023

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

Vocabulary lists containing gentility

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Tuck Everlasting

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