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
Speak up and request a moment to finish your thought, then return to their point with grace. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026 The White House chief strategist Steve Bannon fell from grace, the white nationalist Richard Spencer mostly vanished from the public eye, and controversial figures including Sebastian Gorka and Darren Beattie were ultimately ousted from the administration. Laura K. Field, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
Bill Lawrence’s latest new series Rooster will grace screens starting March 8. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026 The billionaire founder graced the cover of Complex wearing charcoal gray leggings designed in collaboration with Nike, a tiny gray workout towel over her shoulders, and matching fingerless gloves. Emma Banks, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Values of inclusivity, values of diversity and kindness.
    Kevin Baxter Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
  • However, to date, the relationship has been the best, as it has been adorned with love, kindness, joy and fulfillment.
    Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Kate Middleton incorporated daytime elegance into her royal wardrobe with a look by Edeline Lee on Thursday in London alongside Prince William.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Despite opening in 2015, this hotel has a timeless elegance that feels like a particularly luxurious stop on San Antonio's annual parade of homes tour.
    Diana Oates, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • And the country’s colossal pharma production industry is gearing up to take advantage by selling generic versions.
    Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
  • But turning this moment into lasting advantage will require careful planning, not just short-term opportunism.
    Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • All came adorned and unrepentant in their right to adornment.
    Zoë Hopkins, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The six-piece collection, which launches on Friday, includes bomber and caban jackets, as well as the classic Mackintosh trenchcoat adorned with the signature Victoria Beckham B belt buckle.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The word itself is defined as mercy or leniency.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • After all, Jesus had just finished praising gentleness, mercy, and peace.
    Emily Chamlee-Wright, Washington Post, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There’s a majesty to the way Hughes plays the game.
    Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2026
  • But, until recently, hotels and the dining scene—especially après—were not reflective of the resort’s alpine majesty.
    Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The law names city, county, and other local agencies, as well as federal law enforcement agencies, but notably does not include law enforcement officers employed by the state, creating a distinction that the judge found discriminatory against federal agents.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
  • This distinction is fast becoming one of the most consequential competitive fault lines in modern markets.
    Christopher Vollmer, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In a miniature muffin pan, dollop a tablespoon of batter into each cup and decorate with your topping of choice.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Even the bathrooms evoke memories of home, one decorated like his grandma’s house, and the other evoking a tropical rainforest with the sounds of birds and frogs indigenous to the island.
    Andrea Strong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

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