Be gentle with, show kindness, be lenient, be forgiving, show compassion, be understanding, be sympathetic, show consideration, be merciful, be patient, be tolerant, show grace, be easy on, be accommodating, be sensitive, be polite, be respectful, be courteous, be fair, be just. These are some of the antonyms for the word "be harsh with". While it's important to stand firm and take action when necessary, it's just as important to approach others with compassion and grace. Choosing to use words and actions that are kind, gentle and understanding can make all the difference in creating positive relationships with others.