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
Her amused, introspective grace juggling a vast cast of (wonderful) characters and (fascinating) relationships means the true story at the center here ends up playing second fiddle. Literary Hub, 7 May 2026 Having gifted us this wonderful illusion of closeness, Hit Me Hard and Soft — The Tour (Live in 3D) now offers her the grace of distance. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2026
Verb
But these kinds of nerdy details don’t grace most household conversations. IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026 Colbert graces the cover of The Hollywood Reporter’s New York issue, which was released Wednesday. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • So much kindness to me and my whole family.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 10 May 2026
  • My mother's kindness had a powerful impact on me.
    Esther Ndumi Ngumbi, NPR, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • In 2018, timed to the hotel's 25th anniversary, a major $60 million renovation by Didier Lefort, one of Hill’s co-collaborators, brought a fresh, timeless elegance up to the present moment without ever diluting its true attraction—the rainforest.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
  • Nia Long exuded timeless elegance for her Met Gala debut, stepping onto the carpet in her signature natural glam.
    Essence, Essence, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Turn back the tape just a few weeks ago, to when the Five Stripes relinquished a 1-0 advantage in the final stretch to lose at home 2-1.
    Amna Subhan, AJC.com, 10 May 2026
  • Blackwood made the initial stop, but Faber was there at the edge of the crease and the puck went off the Minnesota defenseman’s body and into the net to restore the three-goal advantage.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • The rare flower is known to add luck and happiness to those who adorn their space with its fortune, which is why the water bearer is the ideal sign to align with it.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
  • Tall spikes adorned with small, tubular flowers bloom during summer with a second wave later on, and some varieties rebloom from spring through fall.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • How could the government just snatch the family’s patriarch and then leave him to a winter night’s mercy?
    Dan Barry, New York Times, 12 May 2026
  • Despite finishing with a dismal 20-62 record and sharing the league-best lottery odds, the ping-pong balls offered no mercy.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Their satanic majesties request your attention to this breaking news.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 6 May 2026
  • In fact, music, the majesty and mystery thereof, is a theme to which Simon has returned time and again.
    New York Times, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This heroically eccentric diner draws no distinction between vegetarianism and hedonism.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • The settlement is also intended to maintain a credible distinction between college and pro sports.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Handwritten well-wishes and group photos from coworkers, friends, and family decorate the walls of Danh's hospital room.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
  • The place was brightly lit and sparingly decorated, with clusters of books that made no sense.
    Francesco Pacifico, The Dial, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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