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

Decor, such as in Room 210, is a graceful fusion of white wood rafters, French oak, and stone flooring. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

This beautiful retrospective volume shows a poet developing steadily, from the graceful descriptions and encoded trauma of the poems from the 1990s through the loosening music and political engagement of the books of the last ten years. — Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026

As yet, these machines are not graceful, elegant or aesthetically pleasing. — Shane O’Neill, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026

Its graceful design is meant to celebrate the intricate beauty of the natural world. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see grace entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for graceful

• disgraceful
• ungraceful