Synonyms of grace

grace 1 of 2

noun

ˈgrās 

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

• kindness
• mercy
• privilege
• service
• indulgence
• courtesy
• blessing
• benevolence
• favor
• benefit
• turn
• advantage
• waiver
• boon
• dispensation
• liberty
• license
• manna
• godsend

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• interference
• obstacle
• impediment
• hindrance
• hurdle

2

as in elegance

dignified or restrained beauty of form, appearance, or style

a beautiful actress who was the epitome of grace during her too-brief career

Synonyms & Similar Words

• elegance
• majesty
• elegancy
• gracefulness
• refinement
• brilliance
• simplicity
• courtliness
• nobility
• handsomeness
• stateliness
• fineness
• dignity
• glory
• classiness
• richness
• magnificence
• grandeur
• opulence
• luxury
• nobleness
• splendor
• luxuriance
• tastefulness
• lavishness
• luxuriousness
• taste
• sophistication
• class
• sumptuousness
• resplendence
• artfulness
• ornateness
• restraint
• grandness
• gloriousness
• classicism
• chic
• exquisiteness
• polish
• plushness
• resplendency
• plushiness
• grandiosity
• ostentation
• showiness
• augustness
• ostentatiousness
• affectedness
• choiceness
• pretentiousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• vulgarity
• flamboyance
• gracelessness
• coarseness
• kitsch
• inelegance
• glitz
• crudeness
• grotesqueness
• grotesquerie
• gaudiness
• tawdriness
• tastelessness
• garishness
• flashiness

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

• advantage
• distinction
• virtue
• value
• merit
• excellence
• excellency
• cardinal virtue
• superiority
• edge
• plus

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deficiency
• failing
• defect
• fault
• flaw
• demerit
• blemish
• disvalue
• drawback
• minus
• negative

grace

2 of 2

verb

as in to adorn

to make more attractive by adding something that is beautiful or becoming

I hope that you will grace our gathering with your presence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adorn
• decorate
• drape
• ornament
• dress
• enrich
• beautify
• garnish
• trim
• deck
• paint
• embellish
• pretty (up)
• array
• blazon
• festoon
• bedizen
• bedeck
• do
• doll up
• emblaze
• trap
• emboss
• fancy up
• fancify
• gussy up
• glitz (up)
• brighten
• caparison
• accessorize
• trick (out)
• ribbon
• freshen
• garland
• spruce (up)
• chase
• dress up
• braid
• hang
• do up
• embroider
• gild
• diamond
• figure
• boss
• pearl
• gem
• fillet
• swag
• smarten
• filigree
• wreathe
• fringe
• lace
• feather
• jewel
• flounce
• frill
• furbelow
• redo
• impearl
• appliqué
• redecorate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• scar
• mar
• simplify
• display
• spoil
• disfigure
• reveal
• streamline
• deface
• blemish
• bare
• expose
• strip
• dismantle
• uncover
• divest
• denude
• uglify

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

Recent Examples of grace

Noun

Per Vanity Fair, Charles is estimated to control around 100 grace-and-favor residences. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 3 July 2026

Alyssa encourages all who wish to welcome children to advocate for themselves, believe in the possibility of miracles, be open to all avenues to parenthood and give themselves grace to feel all of their emotions that come with the journey. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

Verb

As revealed by her uber-proud father over breakfast, Sydney’s photo graces a front section of a Chicago newspaper celebrating the Bear’s turnaround. — Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 26 June 2026

George Washington and other Founding Fathers graced Pez dispensers, coasters and the cover of Mad Magazine. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Phrases Containing grace

• coup de grace
• fall from grace