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

Betty was the champion in 1950, 1956, 1957, 1958, and 1959—Betty Constable, pleasant, humorous, graceful, formal, practical, sensible bulldog. —John McPhee, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

Your graceful style helps people open up, while clear boundaries stop you from overgiving to keep the peace. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026

The privilege of seeing these graceful giants without another vehicle in sight was worth the extra flight on Safari Air. —Lucie Grace, TheWeek, 17 Apr. 2026

Mini Flower Spinning Stakes Another moving ornament option for your yard is the graceful Flower Spinning Stake. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 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