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
Lead with grace, and keep curiosity alive. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 30 May 2026 Suvali took longer to be claimed and eventually Ethan was volunteered by the room and accepted with grace. Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
Verb
After gracing Vanity Fair in recent weeks, while at the same time drumming up a firestorm with his comments about past racial tensions in Oxford hampering some recruiting, Kiffin obviously showed a lighter side. Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026 The team’s biggest issues will grow into outsized proportions and appear on television shows where the Mara family would prefer never to see their logo gracing the screen. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Small, concrete acts of kindness can mean more to a grieving person than words alone and eliminates the burden of having to ask for help.
    Julie Kaplow, USA Today, 30 May 2026
  • Her neighbors’ kindness helped her through her grief.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • The whole resort has a magical feel to it–something like an imaginative, culturally-rich dreamland for thoughtful travelers who appreciate the elegance and joy of life.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
  • His pieces appearing in the rooms as well as the public spaces give an unsettling elegance.
    Jamie Timson, TheWeek, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • The Monarchs banged out 10 hits, stole three bases and took advantage of nine walks, six errors, four hit batters and three wild pitches.
    Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
  • Coffey added eight rebounds and continues to further take advantage of the opportunity she has been given with her hometown team.
    Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Greta Lee is gorgeous in a crimson dress adorned with white stars at the Toy Story 5 UK launch event on May 28 in London.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
  • On request, Dawson then takes out more goodies from the bag, each boot adorned in a unique design that makes the otherwise plain white shoes pop with an authentic flash of personality.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • The economy has been devastated, and many feel trapped between a government with no mercy and a future with no clear path forward.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
  • But after seven episodes wearing down the viewer with a bleak perspective, in the season finale, Euphoria pulls itself out of its own somber patterns to reach for grace and mercy in Christian symbolism, American wholesomeness, and the concept of family.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • The mountains and the energy of the place inject this kind of mystical majesty into the work.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • And his demented majesty has no intention of going gentle into that good night.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • For museums and galleries, diversity replaced criticality as the primary criterion of social distinction, the way to demonstrate participation in a progressive critique of the social order.
    Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • The nearest town has the odd distinction of being renowned for ox-cart making.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Columns and vaulted ceilings, Moroccan lamps, and fantastical rattan chairs decorate the relaxation room above ground, then there is a subterranean sauna, steam, and ice bath area.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The satin ankle strap pumps feature a leather sole that is decorated with a pearl accessory at the bottom of the shoe.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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