grace 1 of 2

Definition of gracenext
1
as in kindness
an act of kind assistance in Victor Hugo's novel, Les Misérables, Jean Valjean's decision to go to jail for the man mistaken for him is a grace that goes beyond thanks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in advantage
a quality that gives something special worth as if taste were not enough, red wine has the added grace of being healthy for the heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grace

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun grace differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grace are charity, clemency, leniency, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When is charity a more appropriate choice than grace?

In some situations, the words charity and grace are roughly equivalent. However, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

When is it sensible to use clemency instead of grace?

While in some cases nearly identical to grace, clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

In what contexts can leniency take the place of grace?

While the synonyms leniency and grace are close in meaning, leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When might mercy be a better fit than grace?

The words mercy and grace can be used in similar contexts, but mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

How does the noun grace differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grace are charity, clemency, leniency, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When is charity a more appropriate choice than grace?

In some situations, the words charity and grace are roughly equivalent. However, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

When is it sensible to use clemency instead of grace?

While in some cases nearly identical to grace, clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

In what contexts can leniency take the place of grace?

While the synonyms leniency and grace are close in meaning, leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When might mercy be a better fit than grace?

The words mercy and grace can be used in similar contexts, but mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of grace
Noun
How Guthrie will specifically handle her moment cannot yet be known, but those who know her (that The Hollywood Reporter spoke with) say it will surely be done with uncommon levels of grace and professionalism. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026 Benny did it with grace, dignity, and courage, facing challenges that many of us cannot imagine. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
Who could forget a picture, which graced the cover of Artforum more than a decade ago, of an uncannily adult baby staring sagaciously into the lens, its hand placed gingerly over its heart in a gesture that looks like reverence? Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026 Venus graces your sign until April 24, wrapping you in an energy that rewards indulgence, self-appreciation, and sensory pleasure. Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Share the load with kindness, and keep promises realistic so trust feels strong.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Emma’s kindness toward him leaves Dana beaming, a mentor-mentee relationship that is often reserved for Robby and his residents.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Their products are trusted by chefs around the world for their performance, durability and timeless elegance.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Charming original features have been restored and a refined contemporary elegance woven in, with old-world Venetian craftsmanship sitting alongside more modern touches.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Mullins banked in a 3-pointer in the final minute to counter a small run from the Illini and send the Huskies into the break with a 37-29 advantage.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Leading 46-44 a few minutes into the fourth quarter, South Carolina scored five straight points, capped by Makeer’s 3-pointer to extend the advantage to seven.
    Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • VeryFirstTo founder Marcel Knobil purchased two diamonds worth over $35,400 to adorn the chocolate bunny’s eyes, contributing significantly to the final price tag.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
  • VeryFirstTo founder Marcel Knobil purchased two diamonds worth over $35,400 to adorn the bunny’s eyes.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Several of the women pleaded to be beheaded before the fire was lit and were granted this mercy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Behind Riverside’s Cheryl Miller, who as a teenager showed no mercy on her younger brother, Reggie Miller, the future NBA star, in pickup games, USC won the title in 1982 and 1983.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The fact that none of us got to see it, adds to the majesty and allure of the yeti, right?
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Many scientists have expressed how studying the majesty of the cosmos can be complementary rather than conflicting with their faith or spiritual practice.
    Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This can be a very valuable lesson and can help make the home/work distinction clearer.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
  • There’s an important distinction between these institutional alternative spaces and real artist-run spaces.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Each room is decorated with antiques and architectural salvage that’s been collected over the years, adding a little personality to the modern space.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The stunning views extend into the guest rooms, each of which is decorated with simple wooden furniture and has windows that open onto the salty air and the sound of crashing waves.
    Akash Kapur, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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