GRACE Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

grace 1 of 2

noun

ˈgrās

Definition of grace next

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

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as in elegance

dignified or restrained beauty of form, appearance, or style a beautiful actress who was the epitome of grace during her too-brief career

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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

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grace

2 of 2

verb

as in to adorn

to make more attractive by adding something that is beautiful or becoming I hope that you will grace our gathering with your presence

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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

Examples 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

What a beautiful day to remind us all that there is a higher power and God’s Energy and frequency to keep us all going under his grace and mercy even in the midst of challenges. —

Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024 Wishing you a year filled with blessings and grace. —

Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2024

Verb

Paltrow graced Le Bal in a look from Valentino’s spring 2025 collection, while Michele also dressed Martin’s father and brother, Moses, in custom tuxedos. —

Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 30 Nov. 2024 The aurora borealis could grace the skies of northern New York on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, if a solar storm delivers in fierceness and the weather cooperates. —

Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace

Noun

The braided and beaded trinkets are woven with messages of kindness, song lyrics or inside jokes among her devotees, who cluster in venue aisles and interminable merchandise lines at concerts to trade as part of their own secret society.

Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
One act of kindness and then to have that dream and that goal to be able to help others and do one step at a time to get there.

Gabriel Kinder and Allie Torgan, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024