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
My lips tend to dry out and crack this time of year, but this mask has been my saving grace. Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026 The creamy and fragrant coconut curry, with its springy egg noodles and tender dark chicken, was proof that Kiin Di has made the expansive shift with grace. Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
After a season-long tease that one of the contestants is the most decorated to grace the Masked Singer stage, the judges all felt like Scarab was it. Jillian Sederholm, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Jan. 2026 Facing a budget crunch, the Metropolitan Opera in New York is considering selling off two massive murals by renowned Russian French painter Marc Chagall that have graced its Grand Tier since 1966, when they were created. News Desk, Artforum, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Start small, nurture your base, and let kindness blossom from there.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Watching together gives parents a chance to support kids in thinking critically about social dynamics and how to respond with kindness and courage.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Oberoi is launching two luxury Nile dahabeyas, which revive the elegance of 1920s river travel, offering an intimate way to experience Egypt’s most storied landscapes along the Nile.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The Tyrolean-style on-mountain lodge, Utah’s first five-star property as of 1982, still smacks of old-world elegance.
    Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Cougars finished with four turnovers and held a 26-8 advantage in points in the paint.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Columbus blanked the Blackhawks on their two power-play chances, running their string of futility to 26 man-advantages and 10 games without a goal.
    CBS News, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Teeny hearts and silver dots adorn this crisp French manicure for a cutsey and romantic finish.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Grab a seat in the room adorned with antique-market finds and low, flickering candles.
    Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But for your prayers and his mercy.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Grant me ruthless access to the psychological image, discomfortable mercy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • When trained on a star cluster, binoculars help reveal the true majesty of these sparkling stellar hives, bringing many dimmer stars into view.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Come for the gothic majesty, stay for Elordi’s stunning and emotive performance as the Creature tries to be human in an inhuman world.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The distinction is semantic, not economic.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Yeah, so the law has this long-standing distinction between what the lawyers would call prospective relief and retrospective relief.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Her days are patterned, quiet, and slow; her toys make no clattering sounds, the nursery is decorated only in soothing, dim colors.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The site where Pretti was killed, on Nicollet Avenue near 26th Street, was decorated with hundreds of pillar and votive candles and dozens of flower bouquets and signs left by neighbors and mourners by midday Monday.
    Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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