graceful

adjective

grace·​ful ˈgrās-fəl How to pronounce graceful (audio)
: displaying grace (see grace entry 1 sense 3) in form or action : pleasing or attractive in line, proportion, or movement
a graceful dancer
gracefully adverb
gracefulness noun

Examples of graceful in a Sentence

He has become a very graceful dancer. the graceful movements of a ballerina She was a graceful young woman with delicate features. the long, graceful neck of a swan His writing is clear and graceful. There was no graceful way to say no to their offer.
Recent Examples on the Web Kirsten Dunst almost took a tumble during the Oscars but won the award for most graceful recovery. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 11 Mar. 2024 The housing authority, a county agency charged with creating affordable housing opportunities, saw potential in the building’s graceful touches and sturdy walls. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Under the supervision of animation director Carlos Léon Sancha, the film is a graceful, somewhat overbusy visual treat, a playful riot of colors anchored by a crisp sense of line. Ty Burr, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 Think the graceful curves of a sphere planter paired with round rosy fronds, or curating a juxtaposition of a bonsai-esque statement plant with delicate saucers—the combinations are endless! Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 Explore Fripp Island 17 of 20 Texas: Galveston Strung along a narrow barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston is a beautiful blend of graceful Victorian and early 20th-century mansions, bungalows, cottages, and a stunning historic downtown lined with tall palm trees and live oaks. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2024 There are other graceful, kinetic and colorful jewels from Cultus Artem. Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Slicing through the capital, Paseo de la Reforma is a European-style gem, a leafy boulevard of graceful fountains and historic bronze statues. Luis Antonio Rojas, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2024 Photo : David Shepherd, courtesy of Land Rover The Rover is no one’s idea of a track car, but this tailored brute proves surprisingly graceful during lap sessions at the Algarve International Circuit. Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'graceful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see grace entry 1

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of graceful was in 1557

Dictionary Entries Near graceful

Cite this Entry

“Graceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graceful. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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