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Synonym Chooser

How is the word gracious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of gracious are affable, cordial, genial, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

When is it sensible to use affable instead of gracious?

Although the words affable and gracious have much in common, affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

Where would cordial be a reasonable alternative to gracious?

In some situations, the words cordial and gracious are roughly equivalent. However, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When might genial be a better fit than gracious?

The meanings of genial and gracious largely overlap; however, genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When could sociable be used to replace gracious?

The synonyms sociable and gracious are sometimes interchangeable, but sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gracious While the hair found clogging the drain is out being tested on Tub Top’s dime — thanks to a gracious offer by its very capable corporate reputation protector (April Matthis) — Elsbeth and Edwards bring Taylor in for a discreet chat about her relationship with the Frostads. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025 Manning was extremely gracious in defeat and congratulated the Cubs following the game, which Martin said only confirmed his admiration for the young quarterback. Grace Raynor, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 In a society that often celebrates rebellion, victimhood, and division, cultivating daughters who desire to be young women who embrace being gracious, thoughtful, empathetic, and genuine can be a task. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025 Samia is quick to accept the break-up, even gracious. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gracious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gracious
Adjective
  • Kennedy could fire the task force and appoint members more hospitable to his agenda or impose his own decisions, experts said.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Being hospitable is one of my big things when people come to our home.
    Sophia A. Nelson, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Most of the week should be pleasant in the Baltimore area, with temperatures hovering in the upper 70s and low 80s before a chance of showers into the weekend.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025
  • On bord, the Norse flight attendants were pleasant and service was frequent.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Wear old clothes and shoes Bring flashlights Watch for sharp objects Avoid food waste Wash your hands Be polite and cooperate if you are asked to leave The Fresno Bee 559-441-6005 Fernanda Galan covers Central Valley and California news as The Fresno Bee’s service journalism reporter.
    Fernanda Galan, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Which felt like a polite way of saying the same thing.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her willpower wobbling, the 37-year-old nurse and mother of three pushed her shopping cart forward, giving the friendly salesman a wide berth.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Adopted in 2020, the Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities created a classification system for business and investors to know what activities are considered green or climate friendly.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And the honeycomb design isn’t just nice on the eyes.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Ice is not nice The ice at American Airlines Center was a huge problem in Game 2, with players on both teams falling down left and right.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The pair both showed up to their second date on the beach with thoughtful gifts and eventually shared their first kiss before Tyler met Madison's family.
    Glamour, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This is a complex matter requiring thoughtful consideration and a long-term perspective.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The cast includes Stephen Merchant as the voice of the mouse, Kristen Wiig as a scenery-chewing evil aunt, and Jim Broadbent as a kindly but clueless king.
    EW.com, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024
  • In his fourth feature, director Hsiao Ya-Chuan follows the unsentimental education of a motherless 11-year-old boy, Liao Jie (Bai Run-yin), raised in poverty by his kindly father, Liao Tai-lai (Liu Kuan-Ting), a waiter at a busy banqueting hall.
    Alissa Simon, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Sarah Howlett, a mom of tween twins in Boulder, Colorado Lies that End Up Bringing Lasting Joy Finally, sometimes lies end up being enriching and unexpectedly sweet.
    ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 14 Apr. 2025
  • A bit sweet from sugar, a bit acidic from vinegar, a bit spicy from hot sauce, and rounded out with neutral oil, this homemade vinaigrette recipe is the perfect all-purpose salad dressing.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gracious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gracious. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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