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
Indeed, any ambitious scientist had to be in the good graces of these Big Players or risk financial ostracism and effective banishment from the halls of Big Science. Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 29 July 2026 Facing his own mortality with unflinching honesty, wit, and grace, Charleson delivers a courageous performance that becomes a source of healing and inspiration for those around him. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 28 July 2026
Verb
Hawk’s a local legend around SD, also known for his own skateboard company, Birdhouse Skateboards and the gracing presence of some on-screen cameos here and there. Bridget Knowles, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026 Those numbers graced a free Quick Pick ticket from the Publix at 16841 Persimmon Blvd. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Life would not be the same without you, your vision, your kindness, your compassion, your love, your sexiness, your intelligence, your warmth, your friendship, your wisdom.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • Post Malone and comedian Michelle Buteau appear as members of the community who help demonstrate how even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference during recovery.
    SPIN Staff, SPIN, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Park Tower is positioned for travelers seeking European elegance and historical prestige in Argentina’s sophisticated capital.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • There’s still a common misconception that comfort and elegance are two separate concepts, but loafers and mom jeans are two wardrobe staples that prove otherwise.
    Michel Mejía, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Those firms that subordinated customer value to residual claims frequently paid a price; those who reversed the order compounded advantage.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Trust, financing, developer communities, standards, commercial partnerships, and diplomatic credibility have become competitive advantages in their own right.
    Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • It was set into an oval ring face adorned with blue enamel, diamonds and pearls.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Given his exploits for Spain in North America this summer, there’s an argument for him to once again be adorned with the accolade for being the sport’s best male player.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Elon Musk bailing it out and folding it into his empire was a mercy killing for long-time shareholders.
    Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 23 July 2026
  • Prosecutors argued Horner showed Athena no mercy and asked jurors to impose the death penalty.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • This Tour will be remembered as Pogačar in the midst of his majesty; a relentless march towards victory which felt all but assured within the first week.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • The banks of the pool—at its best a scene of unparalleled American majesty—took on a sort of circus atmosphere as locals and tourists alike stopped by to see the disaster for themselves.
    Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • The recent disclosures illustrate how quickly those distinctions can become politically significant.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Canyon Crest Academy La Jolla comes off its first San Diego Section Open Division championship, while Cathedral Catholic holds the distinction of becoming the first San Diego Section school to reach the Southern California Regional Division 1 final.
    Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Armstrong's old bedroom is now decorated with photos and paintings of the moon landing.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The queen of beach reads knows how to write a bestselling novel and decorate her home.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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