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

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
Giving grace to those who govern isn’t going to pay for people’s medical bills that arise from this environmental disaster. Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 Unlike television, in books, you’re allowed the grace of a longer warm-up. Literary Hub, 25 June 2026
Verb
Inside their pages are the classic recipes that likely grace your holiday table and church potlucks. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 Rockwell, who became famous for his illustrations of everyday American life that graced covers of the Saturday Evening Post, spent hours at the White House people-watching from a chair in the West Wing lobby, McLaurin said. ABC News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • So to find herself so far from Alicent’s kindness and affirmation is really stark.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 29 June 2026
  • The whole group went to the Haiti-Morocco game this weekend, closing a loop of kindness that extended beyond Thompson’s original gesture.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • What emerged was a wardrobe that balanced sensuality, ease and elegance.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
  • There’s a certain elegance and sophistication to rooftop bars and restaurants captured in the American imagination.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Still, some experts say the lack of awareness may delay some eligible adults from taking advantage of the new coverage and getting on the treatments immediately.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 28 June 2026
  • The Dodgers took full advantage of the Padres’ defensive mistakes to jump-start their offense.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The stone lantern adorned with deer in Osaka Garden on the grounds of the Museum of Science and Industry is from the exhibition, and just southeast of there one of the stone structures from the World's Fair is now a Chicago Park District restroom.
    Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • Fans have also indulged in a more modern Scottish tradition, adorning statues in both cities with traffic cones.
    Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Read on for their top picks, including beach-ready flip-flops and dressier styles that won't leave your feet begging for mercy.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 22 June 2026
  • Algeria found itself at the mercy of Lionel Messi who scored a wonderful hat-trick in its first game, although the Argentine forward was somewhat assisted by some terrible defending that will need to get better.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has witnessed more than a century of American history, in all its heartbreak and majesty.
    Scott Simon, NPR, 20 June 2026
  • Ultimately, though, no words can truly do justice to the majesty of their play.
    Will Jeanes, New York Times, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • There's an important distinction between a role being loved by fans and a role being loved by the actress who played her, however.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 June 2026
  • That distinction belonged to William McChesney Martin, who served from 1951 until early 1970.
    Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • In fact, decorating your cubicle versus your laptop screen, might just be the way to move your career forward.
    Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • For the little ones, bring their bike, wagon, scooter or stroller to decorate before taking a Liberty Lap through the park.
    Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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