grace 1 of 2

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
The artist never revealed what caused the reaction, but asked for fans' grace in case a note sounded off. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025 Becoming a psychologist taught me a great deal about healing, forgiveness and grace – and how all of that must start with ourselves. Angela Kenzslowe, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
Like some of my (‘Blue Bloods’) cast mates, like Bridget Moynahan, gracing us with her presence and being a part of this. Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 16 Oct. 2025 Gordon, our inaugural archivist, is a fashion designer and the creative director of Carolina Herrera, and his own Manhattan apartment recently graced our September cover. Wes Gordon, Architectural Digest, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • What may seem like a spontaneous act of kindness—or a bargain—can quickly turn into a serious financial and emotional commitment.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Her leadership and kindness have made a lasting impact on our school community.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There was such a sense of dignity to the four-poster bed, such elegance.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Fast-forward to the 20th century, and moccasins have become a popular casual shoe, combining the sleek elegance of a penny loafer with the secure lacing of a boat shoe—and the comfort level of Ugg boots.
    Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Packers should have the advantage in the contest, as Arizona backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett is set to start in Week 7 with Kyler Murray sidelined for a second consecutive game due to a foot sprain.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Regardless, the Avs finished the second period with 30 shot attempts (after 29 in the first) and a two-goal advantage.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Jasper runner model got a rose pink or mountain green colorway update, and is adorned with suede patchwork pegasus motifs and ponytail-like fringe details at the back, a nod to the upcoming year of the horse in the Chinese lunar calendar.
    Denni Hu, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Vivid frescoes and ornate details of Renaissance and Mannerism elegance adorn the interior.
    Fulvio De Bonis, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As Shiva, Afshari is a revelation of steely resolve, a pragmatist who holds fast to her conciliatory principles until a final scene that pushes her capacity for mercy to its limits.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Wounded and bewildered, Theresa vows—silently—never to have that feeling again, never to be at anyone else’s mercy.
    Hilton Als, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That doesn’t mean there isn’t pop majesty here too.
    Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Cypress captures the majesty of the tall evergreen, enriched with lush green undertones for depth.
    Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Known for its rich, dark green coloring and full silhouette, this tree is native to the Appalachian Mountains and has the distinction of being the type of tree most often used as the official White House Christmas tree.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2025
  • During lean times like the Great Depression when ingredients were scarce and nothing went to waste, this distinction mattered.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In a new career retrospective interview with The Guardian, Curry, who played the concierge in the movie, recalled once having to lie to Ivana about her choice of interior decorating in the hotel, where the movie was filmed.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Pair with Earthy Tones When decorating with red, considering companion colors is a crucial part of the equation.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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