graceful

adjective

grace·​ful ˈgrās-fəl 

1

: displaying grace (see grace entry 1 sense 1) in form or action : pleasing or attractive in line, proportion, or movement

a graceful dancer

the graceful neck of a swan

2

: exhibiting control, good manners, or kindness

As his empire crumbled amid the … scandal, he defiantly refused a graceful exit.

—Jonathan Alter et al.

gracefully

ˈgrās-fə-lē 

adverb

gracefulness noun

Synonyms of graceful

• agile
• nimble
• balletic
• gracile
• lithe
• lithesome
• spry
• lissome
• feline

Examples of graceful in a Sentence

He has become a very graceful dancer.

the graceful movements of a ballerina

She was a graceful young woman with delicate features.

the long, graceful neck of a swan

His writing is clear and graceful.

There was no graceful way to say no to their offer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Let the graceful creatures live amongst hearts, sparkles, and whatever other designs your heart desires. —Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026

There is something graceful about the gesture, a child comments. —Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026

This graceful member of the Iris family features long, narrow leaf blades that grow in upright clumps. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026

Your next house could be this graceful French mansion, previously owned by both the late German designer and by European royalty. —Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see grace entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for graceful

• disgraceful
• ungraceful