saving grace

noun

: a redeeming quality or factor

Examples of saving grace in a Sentence

It's expensive, but the machine's saving grace is its ease of operation. One of her saving graces is a good sense of humor.
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.
Rail is the far superior option by every metric, yet the federal government continues its war on rail, which is our country’s saving grace for moving freight. Michael F. Gorman, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026 The saving grace is Lil Yee, who is having a ball getting his vocals off on the hook. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 5 Mar. 2026 Tumbleweed’s lone saving grace is the edibility of its young shoots. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Feb. 2026 Fordwich explained that not only have William and Middleton refrained from scandal, their morals have given the monarchy a saving grace. Janelle Ash , Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for saving grace

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of saving grace was in 1798

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saving grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saving%20grace. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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