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

Keep scrolling for more

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

And sure to grace many holiday cookie plates this year are the dessert doyenne Dorie Greenspan’s famous World Peace Cookies. — Margaux Laskey, The Seattle Times, "Wrap up one of these sweet cookbooks for the home bakers in your life," 11 Dec. 2018 Whether acting on screen or gracing the pages of fashion blogs, Amandla Stenberg oozes confidence. — Bartie Scott, Teen Vogue, "Amandla Stenberg Uses Mirror Pep Talks to Combat Body Image Anxiety," 19 Sep. 2018 Christie Brinkley has appeared on more than 500 magazine covers worldwide, graced the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and has been photographed in more than 30 countries, on six continents — but her biggest accomplishment is motherhood. — Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, "Christie Brinkley recalls raising daughter Alexa Ray with Billy Joel," 18 July 2018 All those bare rock formations and unmarred tree trunks are just begging to be graced with your artistic vision. — Madeleine Trebenski, Outside Online, "Rules of the Trail for Terrible People," 1 July 2018 After 20 years, San Diego is about to be graced with a one-night performance by one of the world’s greatest opera singers. — Carolina Gusman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Andrea Bocelli returns to the San Diego stage after 20 years," 17 June 2018 That’s because Kyrie Irving graced the cover in a Cavs jersey before being traded to the Boston Celtics. — cleveland.com, "NBA 2K19 cover athlete: 20 possible choices," 9 May 2018 Decker became famous for gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue in 2010. — Mark Price, charlotteobserver, "NC native Brooklyn Decker breast pumps between meetings and posts photos to prove it | Charlotte Observer," 26 Apr. 2018 That was the first time Springer graced the cover of the magazine. — Jenny Creech, San Antonio Express-News, "Pressure shouldn’t faze Springer as Astros bid for repeat," 21 Mar. 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.