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

The movie's official premiere will grace fans earlier than expected on Oct. 19, 2019 rather than May 29, 2020. — Nicole Saunders, Harper's BAZAAR, "Angelina Jolie Looks Both Terrifying and Beautiful in the New Maleficent Poster and I'm Shook," 7 Mar. 2019 Eighteen remain, and Connecticut Democrats can barely contain their enthusiasm for 2020, when President Trump himself will grace the top of the ticket. — Stephen D. Eide, WSJ, "What’s the Matter With Connecticut?," 23 Nov. 2018 Where to eat 814 A Texas Bistro: The bistro, located in the historic former post office building, offers fine dining in a relaxed, causal setting, with owner’s family quilts and local art gracing the walls. — Michelle Newman, San Antonio Express-News, "Where to eat, shop and sleep in Comfort," 11 June 2018 Movie posters of edgy new releases and genre bending classics graced the walls. — Travis Andersen, BostonGlobe.com, "Providence’s Cable Car Cinema, ‘the theater with the couches,’ to close," 27 Apr. 2018 And some of the props, including a vintage wooden racket bought for the film, now grace his office. — Susan King, latimes.com, "The director of the new film 'Nostalgia' reflects on the things we keep," 30 Jan. 2018 The teenage gourmet has already graced the cover of the New York Times Magazine and now, at 19, finds himself as the subject of a documentary, titled Chef Flynn, which tracks his beginnings and everything that follows a meteoric rise. — Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, "First Look: A Teen Prodigy Deals With Fame in 'Chef Flynn' (Exclusive)," 16 Jan. 2018 Orla Kiely's designs are now gracing a limited-edition collection of handwash and dish soap from Method. — Jen Derose, House Beautiful, "Pretty Packaging from Method and Orla Kiely," 4 Sep. 2012 With Jupiter, the planet of miracles and fortune, gracing all Sagittarius until December 2019, Zoe’s star is surely on the rise. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "What Michelle Obama's Horoscope Has In Store for Her This International Women's Day," 8 Mar. 2019

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.