grace

1 of 2

noun

ˈgrās 

1

a

: 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

2

a

: 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

3

a

: 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

8

a

: 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

2 of 2

verb

graced; gracing

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

Noun

• kindness
• mercy
• privilege
• service
• indulgence
• courtesy

Verb

• adorn
• decorate
• drape

Choose the Right Synonym for grace

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

There’s a rhythm to how Hall leads: present, precise, but full of grace. —Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

However, experts urge giving everyone grace and keeping an open mind. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 25 June 2025

Verb

White grew up in Brooklyn, and watched a rotating stream of Calvin Klein models grace that billboard his whole life. —Staff Author, People.com, 27 June 2025

Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas on leaving the podium For more than half a century, conductor-composer Michael Tilson Thomas has graced the stages of concert halls with a swashbuckling style. —David Morgan, CBS News, 26 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin gratia favor, charm, thanks, from gratus pleasing, grateful; akin to Sanskrit gṛṇāti he praises

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing grace

• coup de grace
• fall from grace
• grace note
• grace period
• grace with one's presence
• in a state of grace
• saving grace
• (there) but for the grace of God (go I)
• with bad/ill grace
• with good grace
• year of grace

Rhymes for grace

• ace
• base
• brace
• case
• chace
• dace
• face
• lace
• mace
• pace
• place
• race

Kids Definition

grace

1 of 2 noun

ˈgrās 

1

a

: help given to people by God in overcoming temptation

b

: a state of freedom from sin enjoyed through divine grace

2

: a short prayer at a meal

3

a

: approval, favor

stayed in the boss's good graces

b

: a special favor : privilege

c

: a temporary delay granted from the performance of an obligation (as the payment of a debt)

4

a

: a charming trait or quality

b

: ease of movement

walks with grace

5

—used as a title for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop

graceful

-fəl

adjective

gracefully

-fə-lē

adverb

gracefulness noun

grace

2 of 2 verb

graced; gracing

1

: honor entry 2 sense 1b

deeds that graced the town

2

: adorn, embellish

Etymology

Noun

Middle English grace "help from God," from early French grace (same meaning), from Latin gratia "favor, charm, thanks," from gratus "pleasing, thankful, agreeable" — related to agree, congratulate, gracious, gratitude

Legal Definition

grace

noun

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

2

a

: a temporary exemption

b

: the prerogative of mercy exercised (as by a chief executive) or granted in the form of equitable relief