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

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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
With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the most iconic love triangles ever to grace film and television alike. John Ortved, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2025 Taken together, these triumphal and tragic elements constitute the ingredients for an epic historical narrative that defies all moralistic categories, a story rooted in the coexistence of grandeur and failure, brilliance and blindness, grace and sin. Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
And because no Baroque masterpiece is complete without a nod to the divine, a private chapel graces the estate, adding an air of spiritual grandeur. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2025 Outside, creations by Ludovica Serafini + Roberto Palomba graced the space with elegance and functionality. Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • His legacy continues to inspire others to lead with kindness, purpose, and authenticity.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Found in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Wilbur is described as quirky and in need of patience, stability, and someone willing to earn his trust with treats and kindness.
    Real-Time News team, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Just last week, the 74-year-old actress shared a video of herself on Instagram wearing what can only be described as the embodiment of countryside elegance.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Jacobsen is a French American designer who often uses glass as her medium, crafting it into objects simultaneously sculptural and practical, bridging the gap between elegance and whimsy.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez was dead against the idea, with his club arguing that breaking the traditional home and away format adulterated the competition, while also expressing concern over participating teams gaining a financial advantage.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Legalized betting has certain security advantages in that unusual betting patterns — such as large bets being placed on a random player’s performance — can be immediately flagged.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Shaped like a wheel, with concentric circles around silk spokes, the webs are sometimes adorned with decorations – called stabilimenta.
    Regina G. Barber, NPR, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Taking inspiration from The Wizard of Oz (1939) and Douglas Sirk melodramas of the '50s, director Ti West delights in playing with contrasts in Pearl, adorning grisly murders and a terrifying lead performance with a sumptuous score and rich, saturated colors.
    Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Early on, the larvae are very tiny and at the mercy of sea currents, explains Pruett, who has studied them in the lab.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2025
  • After suffering a major setback in March by losing the capital of Khartoum, the RSF regained the initiative in the following months, culminating in the SAF withdrawing from its last stronghold in western Sudan, El Fasher, leaving it at the RSF’s mercy.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Yes, Clouzeau and Arnaud and the filmmaking crew deserve accolades for bringing the majesty and horror of K2 to life on the screen.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 23 Oct. 2025
  • That doesn’t mean there isn’t pop majesty here too.
    Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Zhao drew a distinction between her latest work and her previous films.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Three Nashville restaurants earned One Michelin Star, while seven more earned Bib Gourmand distinctions among other recognition.
    Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • In 1995, the Château de Wideville, built in 1580, was purchased and French interior designer Henri Samuel was tasked to decorate it.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
  • With that time, his family celebrated Jacob’s 14th birthday, and decorated his hospital room with LED lights and balloons.
    Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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