Formal and Polite:
* The genteel old lady offered us tea and biscuits in her perfectly manicured garden.
* Despite her humble origins, she carried herself with a genteel air that made her seem like royalty.
* The genteel atmosphere of the Victorian mansion was a stark contrast to the bustling city outside.
More Figurative:
* He tried to maintain a genteel facade, but his nervous twitches betrayed his true anxiety.
* The once genteel neighborhood had fallen into disrepair, the grand houses now crumbling with neglect.
* Her genteel manners were a mask for her sharp wit and rebellious spirit.
Contrasting meanings:
* While his clothing was genteel, his language was anything but.
* He longed for a genteel life, but his restless nature kept him on the move.
Remember that "genteel" often implies a certain level of social refinement and politeness. However, it can also be used ironically to describe someone who is trying too hard to appear sophisticated or someone whose elegance is outdated or superficial.