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

Relevance

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
Tayari is building a legacy while nurturing her fellow writers and dazzling her readers with grace, charm, poise, and a brilliant smile. Imani Perry, Time, 15 Apr. 2026 Manifesting as red fabric that moves with ghostly grace, its presence inspired Coel both onscreen and off. Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
Emond, one of the stage’s great secret weapons, graces this production with a presence that’s both hysterically funny and absolutely lethal. Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2026 Chris Taylor also grace her list of hotties. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Stay well, everyone, and know that small acts of kindness count.
    Helen Dennis, Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
  • In the South, manners are all about genuine kindness and compassion.
    Katherine Owen, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There’s a sublime elegance embodied in the stylish furniture and textiles of its 308 rooms, suites, and residences; in the vases overflowing with colorful flowers; and in that delightful, distinctive scent that fills its communal areas.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The relaxed maxi silhouette and lightweight crepe fabric provide the perfect combo of elegance and comfort for a long dinner.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has proved its biggest strategic advantage in the war.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The Penguins opted to sit Crosby and several other regulars after clinching a playoff berth for the first time since the 2021-22 season and home ice advantage throughout the first round.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Her look came adorned with red antlers and a person in a red bodysuit to hold her veil.
    Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The Phoenix Crown of the Druk Gyaltsuen (Dragon Queen) is made of silk brocade and adorned with phoenixes and other Buddhist motifs, Tatler Asia previously reported.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Staying for now and hoping for the best may be the most realistic option, although that leaves companies at the mercy of an opaque legal system.
    Andy Browne, semafor.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • If there were ever a case for a mercy rule in basketball, this weekend made it.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That act alone — showing an unedited, pre-published draft to one of its subjects — would get the story immediately withdrawn at most publications of the size and majesty as the one in this play.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The spa An ode to the Alhambra Palace, Spa Palmera brings the majesty and feel of the Moorish castle to Florida, thanks to an expansive 50,000-square-foot spa replete with arches, stone work, mosaic tiles, and a lush courtyard with a tranquil lap pool.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Raphael has the rare distinction of having an entire aesthetic movement named after a desire to go back to a time before him.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The biggest distinction between credit unions and banks is that credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that are owned and operated by their members, who elect a board of directors.
    Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The lugs and crown guards are decorated with yet more diamonds.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Crystal embellishments decorated other denim pieces like long jean shorts, delivering a high-low look.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on grace

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster