grace

noun

\ˈgrās

Definition of grace

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification

b : a virtue coming from God

c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance

2a : approval, favor stayed in his good graces

b archaic : mercy, pardon

c : a special favor : privilege each in his place, by right, not grace, shall rule his heritage— Rudyard Kipling

d : disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency

e : a temporary exemption : reprieve

3a : a charming or attractive trait or characteristic Among disagreeable qualities he possessed the saving grace of humor.

b : a pleasing appearance or effect : charm all the grace of youth— John Buchan

c : ease and suppleness (see supple entry 1 sense 2b) of movement or bearing danced with such grace

4 —used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop

5 : a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks

6 Graces plural : three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty

7 : a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura

8a : sense of propriety or right had the grace not to run for elective office— Calvin Trillin

b : the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful accepted his advice with grace

grace

verb

graced; gracing

Definition of grace (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to confer dignity or honor on The king graced him with the rank of a knight.

2 : adorn, embellish graveled walks graced with statues— J. A. Michener

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about grace

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Choose the Right Synonym for grace

Noun

mercy, charity, clemency, grace, leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion. mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it. threw himself on the mercy of the court charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others. show a little charity for the less fortunate clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing. the judge refused to show clemency grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions. by the grace of God leniency implies lack of severity in punishing. criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Examples of grace in a Sentence

Noun

She walked across the stage with effortless grace. She handles her problems with grace and dignity. He has shown remarkable grace during this crisis. She is quite lovable despite her lack of social graces. Let us give thanks for God's grace. By the grace of God, no one was seriously hurt. She tried to live her life in God's grace.

Verb

Several marble statues grace the courtyard. I hope that you will grace our gathering with your presence.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The entire movie hinges on their tense relationship, and Andy spends the better part of two hours trying to get into Miranda's good graces, which finally happens right before the closing credits. — Zoe Weiner, Glamour, "This 'Devil Wears Prada' Deleted Scene Tells a Completely Different Story," 30 Aug. 2017 Rather, I was suspended in a state of grace, and my heart almost exploded at the joy. — Maria Finn, Longreads, "Can Love Sparked at Burning Man Last in Everyday Life?," 28 Aug. 2017 Dance is also an important part of the conservatory’s mission, and the spring dance program April 26-28 at White Recital Hall will celebrate the athleticism and grace of the school’s dancers. — Patrick Neas, kansascity, "UMKC Conservatory’s ‘Hansel and Gretel’ will be ‘real feast for eyes and ears’," 25 Aug. 2017 Elba is the biggest saving grace in a wasteland of woes. — Rick Bentley, idahostatesman, "‘The Dark Tower’ pale version of King’s story," 3 Aug. 2017 Carefully observing the modest and grace-filled mother of Jesus, the masterpiece of God’s love, Mary Magdalene would have learned what true feminine beauty looks like. — Nr Interview, National Review, "Finding Peace with Mary Magdalene," 22 July 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

He's also graced the big screen, most recently in 2017's A Bad Moms Christmas. — Samantha Drake, Country Living, "How 'This is Us' Star Justin Hartley Found Love With Wife Chrishell Stause Following His Divorce," 16 Sep. 2018 Their logo has graced everything from suitcases to New York City MetroCards. — Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, "Is Supreme's Rumored Red Lipstick Launching Soon? Fans on Instagram Think So," 27 Aug. 2018 Beyonce has graced fans with another new round of excellent 'fit pics. — Sam Tornow, Billboard, "Beyonce Continues to Serve Summer Style Inspo With New Photo Shoot: See the Pics," 12 July 2018 Penilla was graced with the opportunity after United forward Darren Mattocks drew a yellow card on a malicious tackle attempt in the box. — Owen Pence, BostonGlobe.com, "Revolution hold off D.C. United," 1 July 2018 The Minute Maid pitcher's mound was graced with a bit of pizzazz during the ceremonial first pitch at the Astros vs. Toronto Blue Jays game on June 25, 2018. — Daniela Sternitzky-di Napoli, Houston Chronicle, "Miss Texas, Houston real estate mogul Logan Lester, throws out first pitch at Astros game," 26 June 2018 Pieces by many renowned artists have graced the gallery. — Kim Windyka, Daily Intelligencer, "The 9 Best Offbeat Museums to Visit in Las Vegas," 16 June 2018 Barge will be honored with a performance by the Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings, whose tight horn section he's graced for decades. — Bill Dahl, Chicago Reader, "Gene Barge blew his sax on some of the wildest R&B hits of the 60s," 5 June 2018 Voters throughout the country were graced with beautiful weather all day, and a mixed atmosphere of excitement and anxiety was felt at polling stations. — Kara Fox, CNN, "Irish voters show landslide support for liberalizing abortion laws, exit poll shows," 25 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grace.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.