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
Bring your diplomatic grace to a money talk, and set clear permissions that protect trust without keeping score. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026 Post set the gold standard for manners and social behavior for generations of Americans, social graces still valued and taught today. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026
Verb
Maximum good luck did not grace anyone who played Mega Millions, which will be up to a $452 million jackpot on Friday. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 June 2026 Argentina’s soccer team is staying just minutes away, preparing to grace GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and defend its World Cup title. Jenna Thompson june 16, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Choose kindness at home, let steadiness lead.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026
  • Cancer June 21 – July 22 Clarity grows as your words find kindness.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Winemaker Matt Dees brings out elegance and balance in the wines, this one is no exception with juicy, savory, melt in your mouth bright strawberry/currant fruit.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • While an ongoing drought could have led to an overripe style, mild summer temperatures and the vineyard’s privileged position combined to create a wine noted for its elegance and grace.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Dalal said their son played there daily with his friends, taking advantage of a club policy that allows children under five to enter without a membership.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • The comedian, 38, best known for his role as the acerbic gay best friend Elliott Goss in HBO’s Search Party, chose our meeting place to take advantage of the balmy late-May weather and to say goodbye to the neighborhood.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • In colonial times, silver and gold made its way across the ocean to adorn Catholic churches.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 June 2026
  • After adorning the classic sneaker with various flower details including roses, cherry blossoms and bluebells, a new trio of women’s Air Force 1s is blooming at the brink of summer.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Read on for their top picks, including beach-ready flip-flops and dressier styles that won't leave your feet begging for mercy.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 22 June 2026
  • Algeria found itself at the mercy of Lionel Messi who scored a wonderful hat-trick in its first game, although the Argentine forward was somewhat assisted by some terrible defending that will need to get better.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Was the majesty of America’s historical mission enough to forgive the indiscretions of the present?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 June 2026
  • The standout is a grand, otherworldly picture, devoid of human and animal life but suffused with strange light, and the majesty and menace of colossal ice in moving water.
    Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • There's an important distinction between a role being loved by fans and a role being loved by the actress who played her, however.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 June 2026
  • That distinction belonged to William McChesney Martin, who served from 1951 until early 1970.
    Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The player Dunleavy ended up picking was one of the most decorated in the nation.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
  • Jean-Micheal Gathy's interiors are decorated in pale sand, taupe, and gold tones, with marble floors and silken carpets.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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