Definition of graciousnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word gracious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of gracious are affable, cordial, genial, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

When is it sensible to use affable instead of gracious?

Although the words affable and gracious have much in common, affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

Where would cordial be a reasonable alternative to gracious?

In some situations, the words cordial and gracious are roughly equivalent. However, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When might genial be a better fit than gracious?

The meanings of genial and gracious largely overlap; however, genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When could sociable be used to replace gracious?

The synonyms sociable and gracious are sometimes interchangeable, but sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

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 gracious Here, a gracious layout puts the two bedrooms on opposite ends of the apartment, both with room for a king, closets, and, in the case of the primary, an en suite bath. Katie McDonough, Curbed, 27 Apr. 2026 There are also abundant private cars with gracious Balinese drivers who will happily be on call to ferry you around the island, many of whom double as casual tour guides. Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026 The architecture reflects that stately sensibility, with a classic Colonial Revival facade that gives way to interiors scaled for both gracious entertaining and relaxed family living. Mark David, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026 Polished, gracious — with a shadow just beneath the surface. Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gracious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gracious
Adjective
  • Over time, this will make your garden and lawn less hospitable to mushrooms and less likely to sprout.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2026
  • Aerating also leads to healthier lawns by creating an environment that is less hospitable to grubs.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • But as the evidence mounts, scientists continue to puzzle over the pleasant surprise—how are vaccines that target specific pathogens inadvertently shielding our minds from deterioration?
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
  • Last year, against the Minnesota Frost, was a bit more of a pleasant surprise after a one-goal regular season campaign by Leslie, who spent two seasons between Toronto and Ottawa as a useful depth player.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Films that would once have sparked competitive bidding are screening to polite attention and noncommittal follow-up meetings.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
  • The old-school kind where everybody is mostly well-behaved and polite, and the audience scrolls on their phones to stay awake.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said his new government has summoned the Russian ambassador over a drone attack near Hungary’s border, in a significant shift from his predecessor Viktor Orbán’s friendly relations with Moscow.
    Hanna Arhirova, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • There’s a friendly reception area with a giant chalkboard informing guests of local events, ranging from in-house parties to full moon nights at the Acropolis and big name gigs by the touring artists.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The comfortable seating area in the living room includes couches and armchairs set in front of the TV and fireplace for relaxing after a day on the slopes, and a dining table provides a nice spot to relax and eat.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
  • Sullivan made a nice play on the ball and then twisted out of a tackle and ran 15 yards to the goal line.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • There’s also a spacious indoor area filled with educational toys and games, and the friendly staff facilitate thoughtful activities like Nautical Knot Tying, Anguillan Boat Racing, nature walks, steel drum lessons, and sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Instead of approaching pre-season cleaning as a frantic clear-out, experts suggest embracing thoughtful edits, a natural flow, and season-less updates that make a home feel lighter, more timeless and deeply personal.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Since 1980, her partner had been the kindly, worshipful Dutch actor Robert Wolders, whom Ferrer likens to a gentlemanly doormat.
    Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 15 May 2026
  • The economist’s description of the Fed chair was admiring, almost tender— comparing him to a kindly gardener who knew just how much sunlight to bestow upon the plants, or to a father figure who could keep his profligate and dissolute children on the right path.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Steelers had expected this to be the case perhaps weeks or even months ago, but Rodgers took his methodical, sweet time before committing.
    Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
  • Borgess, who was part of last year’s title team, said this one is sweeter.
    Bill Kemp, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gracious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gracious. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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