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
If the old Ernest Hemingway adage holds true, that courage equals grace under pressure, then Anna May Wong (1905-1961) had it in spades. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026 For cadres and others subject to rectification, the process sorts who is in and who has fallen out of the good graces of party leaders. — Andrew Mertha, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
There was a lineup of celebrities and stars who graced these halls, with a guest ledger that features Clark Gable and Bette Davis. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Sep. 2026 More than a dozen varieties grace the menu, but the most popular option is the Levee High apple pie. — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • In fact, avoiding a necessary conversation often isn’t kindness at all.
    — Farida Abjani, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Now, his family and the local community are mourning the teen known for his extraordinary kindness.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Rooted in casual elegance, the spring collection introduced a refreshing palette of aquamarine blue, sage green and pink flanking the brand’s distinctive ivories, ecrus and beiges.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • An approach to hospitality in which elegance is expressed not through excess, but through the relevance of every gesture and the thought behind every choice.
    — Guy Bigiaoui, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • To weaponize this advantage, the 30 clubs have withheld roughly $75 million each in central-fund distributions, amassing a $2 billion liquidity holdback.
    — Chris Koras, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • SpaceX has advantage its rivals can’t easily match Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.
    — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Grammy nominee wore a white lace dress and her hair was adorned with a bright blue ribbon.
    — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Beyond pottery studios and galleries, art lovers can seek out the renowned Ben Long frescoes, which adorn the walls of Saint Mary’s Church and Holy Trinity Church in nearby Glendale Springs, North Carolina.
    — Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Such mercy wouldn’t apply if Adolf Hitler’s brutal Gestapo got hold of them.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Weinstein, 74, pleaded for mercy, citing his age and health issues, including cancer and congestive heart failure.
    — Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • From the charming courtyards and upscale fashion boutiques tucked behind Worth Avenue to the rugged majesty of Jupiter’s inlets, the region is a playground for the curious traveler.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The stunning majesty of Florida’s wildlife, lands and culture is on display in a new show at Winter Garden’s SOBO Art Gallery.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Stillness, which had seemed ontologically secondary to the art form, now gained distinction as a substantive component.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The distinction matters in environments such as logistics and manufacturing, where productivity depends on throughput rather than simply completing an individual movement.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The hotel's 18 rooms and five suites are all individually decorated with gloriously over-the-top touches in the form of antiques, sumptuous velvet duvet covers, and regal tones of red and gold that harken back to the property's royal history.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Combining periods helps create interiors that feel layered rather than tied to one decorating era.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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