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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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
Shawn wrestles without any grace here, his normal perfection replaced by him furiously trying to prevent the inevitable passing of the torch moment to Steve Austin, who himself is naturally uncouth in the ring. Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025 No more tight ringlets—only soft, unfurled, velvety hair that moved with the artificial grace of a shampoo commercial actress who's probably wearing extensions anyway. Liz Krieger, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
The latest limited-edition flavor to grace the shelves of your local grocery store is one of the brand’s first sweet-and-savory innovations, creating a very special cookie born from a beloved snack. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2025 Enter Valldemossa, one of the newest properties to grace the peaks of the Tramuntana mountain range. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • At the time of publication, the video of her efforts has been watched over 228,000 times, with users flocking to offer words of kindness in the comments section.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Becky’s independence, kindness, determination and beauty will live on through her forever.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This dramatic addition is a great alternative to a veil for those who want a train, yet have a distinct volume and structure that lends a look a retro elegance.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The one-shoulder design gives it a Grecian elegance that simultaneously reads regal yet effortless—the epitome of the Italian sprezzatura.
    Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Charles Koch has long been a foe of protectionism and an evangelist for free markets, competitive advantage and mutual benefit.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 2 May 2025
  • The firm continued to enjoy advantages from a growing user base.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Aparicio’s late grandmother, Maria de la Paz Torres Aparicio, handcrafted dolls adorned with clothes that people left behind during the war.
    Sarah Quiñones Wolfson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Today, The Dwarika’s spans 2.5 acres and features 80 rooms and suites, each one adorned with original woodwork, handcrafted furnishings and thoughtful Nepalese details.
    Livia Hengel, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The current drift toward authoritarian leaders in this fractured world will leave international relations at the mercy of their whims, dreams, and follies.
    Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025
  • In an age where mercy often feels in short supply, Francis insisted there was no bottom to God's well of forgiveness.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 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
  • Even for the big names, the distinction between the pure and the pragmatic holds fast.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Technical Architecture Supports Continuous Improvement The distinction between NeMo and Nvidia’s Inference Microservices, branded as NIMs, lies in their complementary functions.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • It’s tastefully decorated without sacrificing comfort, with stunning natural accents and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Score more of Howard’s decorating tips in The Waterfront House: Living with Style on the Coast, on sale April 22.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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