grace 1 of 2

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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grace

2 of 2

verb

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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
Tesla's fall from grace leaves room for Chinese EVs to devour market share and dominate the U.S. in the EV space. Charles Singh, USA Today, 7 May 2025 On the soccer field Charlotte is known for her grace and sportsmanship — often seen congratulating players on the opposing team. Simon Perry, People.com, 6 May 2025
Verb
Kim Kardashian, Zendaya, Colman Domingo and Whoopi Goldberg were just a few of the other celebrities who graced the red carpet. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 6 May 2025 Maryland natives will grace the red carpet, as likely designers, attendees and hosts. Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Researchers explored how prosocial behavior, acts of genuine kindness and concern for others influences perceptions of physical attractiveness.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • But Mike throws the man’s kindness back in his face by knocking him out and lifting his watch and wallet.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Adichie commanded the carpet with elegance and purpose.
    Essence, Essence, 9 May 2025
  • Designed by renowned architect Robert Gurney, the residence has been hailed for marrying classic East Coast elegance with a clean, modern sensibility.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Coker and Moore have the advantage in roles department, while Chisena has the advantage with special teams.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
  • Build combinations for maximum impact The most powerful advantage comes from unique combinations.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The inside collar is grey, mimicking the concrete interior structure of the Monster, and is adorned with 1912, the year Fenway Park first opened.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 May 2025
  • At the Fiesta Plaza neighborhood, the world's largest sombrero will adorn the Tipsy Sombrero Bar.
    Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Son Brendan was murdered with a chainsaw on Richie Stevenson’s orders while Seraphina screamed for mercy next to her half-brother; Richie had a livestream of the grisly event sent to Maeve’s phone.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 11 May 2025
  • This hilarious odyssey of a parched protagonist reminds us that sometimes our relative sacrifices for the greater good can be tempered by small mercies along the way.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • What’s most important is to take it all in: the place, its majesty and its importance.
    Caroline Eubanks, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Her majesty, the queen, is here.
    Jack Howland, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That distinction unequivocally belongs to Scheffler, who revealed why that is the case after his PGA Championship victory.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • The key distinction in astrophysical environments is the presence of magnetic fields, which fundamentally alter the nature of turbulent flows.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Followers often applaud her decorating skills, but also worry that living in such a cramped space could impact her health.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 18 May 2025
  • Numerous cellphone videos from nearby onlookers captured the moment the ship's masts, decorated with lights, collided with the bottom of the Brooklyn Bridge.
    Riley Hoffman, ABC News, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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