grace
noun
\
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
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
verbDefinition of grace (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : to confer dignity or honor on The king graced him with the rank of a knight.
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Synonyms & Antonyms for grace
Synonyms: Noun
class, classiness, courtliness, elegance, elegancy, fineness, gracefulness, handsomeness, majesty, refinement, stateliness
Synonyms: Verb
adorn, array, beautify, bedeck, bedizen, blazon, caparison, deck, decorate, do, do up, doll up, drape, dress, embellish, emblaze, emboss, enrich, fancify, fancy up, festoon, garnish, glitz (up), gussy up, ornament, pretty (up), trim
Antonyms: Noun
Antonyms: Verb
blemish, deface, disfigure, mar, scar, spoil
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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 2017Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
On Wednesday, Forbes unveiled its latest cover, graced by none other than the youngest Kardashian-Jenner. — Aurelie Corinthios, PEOPLE.com, "Dictionary.Com Shades Kylie Jenner After Forbes Calls Her a 'Self-Made' Almost-Billionaire," 11 July 2018 And since the BET Awards didn't do it enough, here are all the highlights from the incredible, inspiring, and immensely talented women that graced the show with their presence. — Morgan Baila, refinery29.com, "BET Awards Recap: From Jamie Foxx's Dad Jokes To Meek Mill's XXXTentacion Hoodie," 25 June 2018 But the melodious tones that graced the airways for over 30 years sound a bit different today. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN, "The radio man without a voice," 15 June 2018 Sadly the Birkenstocks were show-only, Amazon bought then pimped by Curradi, and will not go on sale with the multi-color twining detail that also graced his belts. — Luke Leitch, Vogue, "Gone Fishing: Federico Curradi Casts a Spell at Pitti," 14 June 2018 In August 2016, the city celebrated Bennett’s 90th birthday with a Bruce Wolfe statue that graces the Fairmont’s front lawn followed by a Giants’ tribute at AT&T Park. — Catherine Bigelow, San Francisco Chronicle, "Honorary San Franciscan Tony Bennett now has his own street," 11 June 2018 Jaime King is a super mom! The actress attended the Los Angeles premiere of Disney/Pixar’s Incredibles 2 on Tuesday, gracing the red carpet all dolled up alongside her 4½-year-old son James Knight. — Jen Juneau, PEOPLE.com, "Jaime King Posts Sweet and Empowering Message as Her Son Dons a Dress for Movie Premiere," 7 June 2018 Two sushi rolls grace the appetizer menu, the zen garden roll ($5.95) composed of avocado, cucumber, carrot and white radish. — Lindsey Mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "Zen Garden is perfect example of how good vegetarian food can be | Review," 10 Jan. 2018 What passers-by might think is a free talent show come to grace San Jose’s streets is really just Cruze’s evening job. — Anna-sofia Lesiv, The Seattle Times, "The cutthroat turf war behind the race to charge Bay Area electric scooters," 10 July 2018These 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.
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More Definitions for grace
grace
noun
English Language Learners Definition of grace
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a way of moving that is smooth and attractive and that is not stiff or awkward
: a controlled, polite, and pleasant way of behaving
graces : skills that are needed for behaving in a polite way in social situations
grace
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of grace (Entry 2 of 2)
: to decorate or add beauty to (something)
See the full definition for grace in the English Language Learners Dictionary
grace
noun
\
Kids Definition of grace
(Entry 1 of 2)
grace
verbKids Definition of grace (Entry 2 of 2)
grace
nounLegal Definition of grace
1 : a special favor : privilege considered by many authorities to be a matter of grace and not of right —The Mentally Disabled and the Law
2a : a temporary exemption
b : the prerogative of mercy exercised (as by a chief executive) or granted in the form of equitable relief
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