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
Not to mention battling nerds, LARPers, and a particularly petulant McPoyle clan at the Renaissance Faire or sportswashing their way back into the good graces of their community by sponsoring a Little League team. Joe Otterson, Variety, 15 July 2026 Gigi offers Hollis the truth, Hollis offers her grace, and the book emphasizes that acknowledging imperfection can also be healing. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Verb
Celebrini is the second Sharks player to grace a standard cover in the popular franchise’s history, joining Owen Nolan (NHL 2001), and the youngest EA NHL cover athlete ever. Eric Stephens, New York Times, 14 July 2026 Cara Delevingne is gracing the cover of Playboy's summer issue—and has the sultry look to prove it. Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Pannakara’s discourses on mindfulness and kindness in churchyards, town squares and in front of the Lincoln Memorial drew large, diverse crowds.
    Deepa Bharath, Fortune, 17 July 2026
  • Guitars take the place of shovels, as Henry now repays Carlos’ kindness by helping to save the land that Carlos assumes is ravaged.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Granted, the front foyer has glistening hardwood flooring, an open stairway, and wide seven-inch baseboard trim combined with crown molding to add a touch of elegance.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
  • Red, nude, and pale pink polishes carry a refined elegance that never looks dated.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • While Spain looks primed to defend their crown with a young core and home-field advantage, the race to lift the World Cup in 2030 has almost four years to now take shape.
    Dean Jones, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • With warm Southern weather stretching way beyond Labor Day, this is actually the perfect time to take advantage, with lots of days on the porch still left.
    Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • Someone unfamiliar with salt bread might even suspect a major baking error, seeing a questionably smooth croissant that entirely missed the lamination process, adorned with only a few flecks of salt acting as its saving grace.
    Candy Hom, AJC.com, 19 July 2026
  • Nature fanatics can take part in the weekly garden walk to identify the tropical plants and fruits adorning the property.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • Whether the lengthy commutes were a factor or not, both Valley teams lost via mercy rules.
    Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 14 July 2026
  • Lacey hates this idea, but the group decides to go with showing mercy this time around.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • On the Vietnam side (Ban Gioc), there are several smaller waterfalls to the side that add to the majesty.
    Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 16 July 2026
  • Knowing there are other places in our solar system to witness total eclipses of our star does nothing to reduce the awe and majesty of this amazing sight.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • Some make a distinction between temporary discomfort – such as anxiety or difficult emotions during meditation – and lasting harm, such as worsening mental health symptoms.
    Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
  • Pica and compulsive tendencies There’s an important distinction between chewing and pica in cats.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Rupnik had been one of the most celebrated contemporary religious artists in the Catholic Church, designing stylized mosaics that decorate churches and basilicas around the world, including at Lourdes and the Vatican.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
  • Behind the two men is an antique-style table with dragons decorating the legs, upon which sit two porcelain bird statues and a small pot filled with purple and white flowers.
    Ben Jureidini, Vanity Fair, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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