graceful

adjective

grace·​ful ˈgrās-fəl 

1

: displaying grace (see grace entry 1 sense 1) in form or action : pleasing or attractive in line, proportion, or movement

a graceful dancer

the graceful neck of a swan

2

: exhibiting control, good manners, or kindness

As his empire crumbled amid the … scandal, he defiantly refused a graceful exit.

—Jonathan Alter et al.

gracefully

ˈgrās-fə-lē 

adverb

gracefulness noun

Synonyms of graceful

• agile
• nimble
• balletic
• gracile
• lithe
• lithesome
• spry
• lissome
• feline

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

The Venusian attributes of Libra push Caroline to want to be well-liked by others, even if societal pressures make Caroline hide her true appetites from the world to be graceful. —Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025

Iridescent glassware, reminiscent of glittering costumes and the graceful lines of dancers, can help create a festive scene that will remain in your decor long after the holidays. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Nov. 2025

Consider this your guide to keeping the most graceful shoe in your wardrobe moving confidently through the cold. —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025

Characterized by graceful, winding arms that spiral out from a bright central bulge, these systems are rich with both young and old stars, swirling gas and cosmic dust. —Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see grace entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for graceful

• disgraceful
• ungraceful