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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The building itself, majestic and graceful, holds an immediate promise of well-being. Rona Berg, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 Her playing was poised and expressive throughout, favoring subtlety over drama and marked by graceful nuance. Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 11 July 2025 The vicuña’s graceful nature and high-altitude habitat imbued it with significance for many Andean cultures. David Nolan, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2025 The whales often appear unbothered, turning gently toward swimmers or drifting by in slow, graceful passes. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for graceful

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Graceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graceful. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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