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.
International box office crisis Foreign audiences were supposed to be the saving grace after domestic projections began to nosedive in the the days leading up to release. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026 After Cathy’s departure, the ranch’s saving grace is Lee, who effectively becomes the primary parent of the Trask twins, Cal and Aron. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2026 The saving grace could be an end zone look, but those opportunities may be few and far between. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2026 Also not to be missed, these now-$20 wide-leg pants have a stretchy waistband — a saving grace on long travel days. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Saving grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saving%20grace. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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