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

Others were just as proud, albeit less graceful with their language. —Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026

Another woodland plant, Solomon’s seal is known for its graceful arching stems and downward facing flowers that last from late spring to early summer. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 13 June 2026

This graceful film chronicles the process by which Fatima gradually sheds that reserve. —Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

While those graceful dancing fronds are still a welcoming sight on Southern porches, most ferns are water hogs that demand attention. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 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