Definitions

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.

He has little of Karp’s genteel bedside manner or public profile and is known instead for an unforgiving style and hard-driving perfectionism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

The winner Talarico, who has a Master of Divinity degree from a Christian seminary, offered a more genteel approach.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 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

As it was, when she spoke with Reta she moved back and forth between a genteel grace and a childlike exuberance.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Vocabulary lists containing genteel

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