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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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
So give yourself more grace with each passing year. Erica Sloan, SELF, 11 Sep. 2025 Be the person nobody goes to for gossip, remember your grace and strive to see the good first. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
Many salad dressings, mayonnaise, and the hollandaise sauce that graces eggs benedict wouldn’t be possible without emulsification. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025 In Venice, Dwayne Johnson and Ayo Edebiri graced the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, bringing global attention to their latest projects. Okla Jones, Essence, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Her kindness extended to her coworkers at Walmart.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The pair are remembered by the company for their kindness, generosity and support for local organizations such as the Ehloe Hospital, the Chico Police Business Support Team and Chico’s Elk Lodge.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This gives the outfit a cool twist without sacrificing elegance.
    Emma Mehl, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Nothing more needs to be said to exhibit the chasm about to open up between two young women who share much in the way of gentility, elegance and accomplishments.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Boomsma said any traits the ants have evolved are adaptations driven by natural selection, and creating fitter hybrid workers provided a competitive advantage, allowing Iberian harvester ants to extend their range vastly.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The Wave now hold a 6-2-1 advantage in the all-time regular season series.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Dainty gold buckles adorn the soft suede straps that will hold your feet firmly in place, and the square toe design offers room for your toes to sit comfortably without feeling squished.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The father-son duo both towered over Hargitay, adorning casual clothing in snaps taken from their visit.
    Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • On paper, this one would go to Washington by a mercy-rule final score.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
  • May their soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The winners of the 2025 ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year Award have been revealed, showcasing a spectacular selection of night sky images that reveal the majesty of ancient galaxies, nebulas, stellar cities and of course, Earth's moon.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Cinematographer Jaime Ackroyd certainly captures Scotland’s majesty, but there is no character to the frames, which look like they could be plucked out of a commercial from a tourism bureau.
    Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • By every measurement, there is a clear line of distinction between the two groups within the league’s 18 starters.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Legal operations often involve context, judgment and subtle distinctions that automation isn’t yet equipped to handle.
    Jens Erik Gould, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Renovated cabins are decorated in a nostalgic mountain vibe, with plaids and wood tones reigning supreme.
    Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
  • For dessert was a chocolate cake with brown butter vanilla buttercream icing baked by Gaby Scelzo, decorated with baby blue ruffles and pink frosted roses.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grace

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!