1
as in hospitable
showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations
a gracious host who goes out of his way to make every guest feel welcome
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pleasant
having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations
a gracious innkeeper whose jokes and laughter made weary travelers feel right at home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in polite
showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners
he was a gracious man, habitually offering his seat on the bus to elderly women
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
The main level flows with intent: a gracious foyer and generous living room overlook the gardens, while a refined kitchen — complete with a butler’s pantry — anchors the space for effortless entertaining.
Upstairs, three bedrooms offer surprising scale, with ample closet space and natural light.
—
Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 24 July 2025
In almost all respects, Masako—true to her breeding—was the very model of a modest and gracious ojōsan.
—Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
While people are generally gracious about missteps, recent surges in tourist numbers are starting to strain that vaunted hospitality.
—Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
Each exclusive and unique event includes a tour of the winery, gracious hospitality, and chef Janik Livera’s innovative dishes paired with Maverick’s wines.
—Johanna Read, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gracious
Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 24 July 2025
In almost all respects, Masako—true to her breeding—was the very model of a modest and gracious ojōsan.
—Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
While people are generally gracious about missteps, recent surges in tourist numbers are starting to strain that vaunted hospitality.
—Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
Each exclusive and unique event includes a tour of the winery, gracious hospitality, and chef Janik Livera’s innovative dishes paired with Maverick’s wines.
—Johanna Read, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gracious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gracious
Adjective
-
La Masa has earned a reputation for outstanding food, a warm and hospitable guest experience, and a menu that appeals to a wide range of palates and dietary preferences.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
These classic stays have always matched the Scottish capital’s more measured, thoughtful rhythm—grand yet accessible, historic but deeply hospitable.—
Katharine Sohn,
Architectural Digest,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The 25-year-old is always pleasant and wearing a big smile.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Having visited the dome myself, the clearest impression that stays with me is how Hiroshima isn’t just surprisingly pleasant, but beautiful.—
Ed Simon
August 18,
Literary Hub,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Tia Glover, with her sharp British wit, looks primed to challenge Potomac’s polite veneers.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
28 Aug. 2025
-
The note explained their situation in a polite and understanding way, apologizing for any noise their own children might make.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The actor was previously married to Demi Moore for 12 years, and the friendly exes have three daughters together: Rumer, Scout and Tallulah.—
Janelle Ash , Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
27 Aug. 2025
-
With the President off on one of his frequent overseas trips to visit ideologically friendly leaders like Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu (and don’t forget the receipt of more awards), the rest of the libertarian troupe was essentially speechless in the face of a historic political moment.—
Agustino Fontevecchia,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Both Trejo and Crowley rode in the 2025 Centennial Tucson Rodeo, a nice mirroring of the agency’s own 100-year history.—
Suzanne Wright,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
-
The in-between woman has a nice corporate job in a nice corporate office.—
Weike Wang,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
On social media, where complaints about dodgy deliveries are a more common occurrence, Singh’s thoughtful act went viral.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Supporters deny that the move is a retaliation against KC Life, and say their goal is to protect the neighborhood’s historic fabric while supporting thoughtful development like the Norman School conversion.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Isla Baker, 14, of Downers Grove, plays Mrs. Dashwood, the kindly mother of the girls, and two other characters.—
Hank Beckman,
Chicago Tribune,
15 July 2025
-
Those with kindly outlooks might believe that people comfy with that kind of damage might not understand its impact.—
Pat Beall,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
The sweet treats include a toffee cream pie, a grape soft serve, and a special McFlurry topped with Oreo crumbs.—
Alex Perry,
The Enquirer,
23 Aug. 2025
-
The seasonal tradition dates back centuries and represents a cornerstone of local agriculture, with Michigan business owners carrying on family legacies of 19th century mills, serving up sweet treats for communities around the state.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
23 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gracious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gracious. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share