grace 1 of 2

Definition of gracenext
1
as in kindness
an act of kind assistance in Victor Hugo's novel, Les Misérables, Jean Valjean's decision to go to jail for the man mistaken for him is a grace that goes beyond thanks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in advantage
a quality that gives something special worth as if taste were not enough, red wine has the added grace of being healthy for the heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grace

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun grace differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grace are charity, clemency, leniency, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When is charity a more appropriate choice than grace?

In some situations, the words charity and grace are roughly equivalent. However, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

When is it sensible to use clemency instead of grace?

While in some cases nearly identical to grace, clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

In what contexts can leniency take the place of grace?

While the synonyms leniency and grace are close in meaning, leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When might mercy be a better fit than grace?

The words mercy and grace can be used in similar contexts, but mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

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 grace
Noun
Most of the grace-and-favour dwellings are going to their current or retired staff, for example. Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026 Leading up to her time on stage, which arrived at close to midnight, Swift embraced the evening with enthusiasm and grace. Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Verb
Open since 1964 by its namesake, a former soccer player from Serbia, it has since been graced by everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to George Clooney—the latter of whom even has a menu item named after himself. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026 Stars such as Keke Palmer, Katie Holmes and Lux Pascal, among others, have already graced the red carpet for premieres, events and activations at the annual event in New York City. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Choose quiet tonight, and refill the well with kindness gently.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 14 June 2026
  • Maria hopes people will practice kindness, compassion, and empathy instead of hate.
    Ted Scouten, CBS News, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Winemaker Matt Dees brings out elegance and balance in the wines, this one is no exception with juicy, savory, melt in your mouth bright strawberry/currant fruit.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • While an ongoing drought could have led to an overripe style, mild summer temperatures and the vineyard’s privileged position combined to create a wine noted for its elegance and grace.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • With the clock running down, the Spurs stayed cold but the Knicks couldn’t take advantage until OG Anunoby’s dunk with two minutes to go gave his team a three-point lead.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • But, of course, opposing fans have been using what has happened off ice to their advantage.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • The food is much better on papal flights with special menus printed with the pope’s coat of arms, which also adorn the head rests.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
  • The royal accessorized her look with a wide-brim straw hat adorned with a neutral-colored bow and a pair of classic nude pumps.
    Morgan Evans, USA Today, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • If these leaders truly believe faith and work build America, then the community that built this industry deserves the same justice and mercy being delivered to Arkansas.
    John E. Jackson Sr, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
  • What struck me about the UFC fights was the anticipation of blood, the waiting for the final moment, when one man would be at the complete mercy of another, and only the referee’s call would stand between the loser and death.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Was the majesty of America’s historical mission enough to forgive the indiscretions of the present?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 June 2026
  • The standout is a grand, otherworldly picture, devoid of human and animal life but suffused with strange light, and the majesty and menace of colossal ice in moving water.
    Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • The judge’s ruling contained a caveat that Sorsby sit out the first two games of the Red Raiders’ season, a distinction that, as detailed below, the NCAA depicts as problematic in its own right.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 June 2026
  • That distinction matters because the weeks following diagnosis or surgery often involve a series of complex decisions that can influence both treatment and long-term outcomes.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • The garment was made from a light blue fabric with colorful floral embroidery, and a prominent diamond brooch decorating the center of the V-neckline.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 June 2026
  • Scallops have become one of decorating's most enduring motifs, and this wastebasket embraces them wholeheartedly.
    Jaha Nailah Avery, Architectural Digest, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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