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
Amanda should have shown more transparency and grace toward Ciara, who dated West years prior, but also likely viewed West as a fun, unserious post-breakup fling (at least initially). Marlow Stern, Variety, 20 May 2026 However, Stelter notes that Colbert still approached his departure with grace, showing his appreciation for leading the show for 11 seasons. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 May 2026
Verb
Inside, the atmosphere evokes the 1930s, with a long wooden bar, Art Deco details, and an intimate stage once graced by Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong—plus a booth said to have been a favorite of Al Capone. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2026 Work has been underway this month to paint over the mural that's graced two entire walls of a parking garage for nearly 30 years to make way for art related to the upcoming World Cup matches. ABC News, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Now, thanks to the help and kindness of the fire department and partner organizations, the man and his dog both have new homes.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026
  • Your passion, kindness, and support have meant more than words can ever properly express.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • The whole resort has a magical feel to it–something like an imaginative, culturally-rich dreamland for thoughtful travelers who appreciate the elegance and joy of life.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
  • His pieces appearing in the rooms as well as the public spaces give an unsettling elegance.
    Jamie Timson, TheWeek, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • Economic analysis in the January 2026 White House Council of Economic Advisors report reinforces the advantages of this approach.
    Nicole Huyer, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
  • The outfielder used his blazing speed and smart baserunning to his advantage to manufacture both of Miami’s runs in its series opener against the Mets.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • The former slipped into a nude gown from the Fall 2026 collection, which was adorned with sequins and pearls in a geometric pattern.
    Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 23 May 2026
  • Inside the party, guests were transported to a romantic, dreamlike jungle space adorned with roses and hundreds of candles hanging in the foliage.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Both fixtures against Newcastle United, defeats to Bournemouth and Fulham, and the home draw against Manchester City demonstrated how Tottenham lacked a discernible game plan and seemed at the mercy of game-state momentum under Frank.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 25 May 2026
  • Marion Mosman sprinted home with the clinching run to complete the mercy rule, and the Dragons stormed the field, champions once again.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • The mountains and the energy of the place inject this kind of mystical majesty into the work.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • And his demented majesty has no intention of going gentle into that good night.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • This distinction matters enormously.
    Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
  • There’s a distinction between celebration and commemoration.
    Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 25 May 2026
Verb
  • According to a 2025 Ipsos survey, 36% of US Temu consumers use the platform to decorate their homes or offices.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 26 May 2026
  • One of those efforts is decorating hospital rooms through the nonprofit Wish Upon a Teen, which has since named Nancy Sovran its executive director.
    Julia Avant, CBS News, 26 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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