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

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
Then again, for everyone involved, there must be some grace granted in the wake of the incredible tension surrounding a team whose dream season just became a nightmare. Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026 The documentary captures McKenzie’s interview with Bankman-Fried, recorded a few months before his complete fall from grace. Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
Emond, one of the stage’s great secret weapons, graces this production with a presence that’s both hysterically funny and absolutely lethal. Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2026 Chris Taylor also grace her list of hotties. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Dolores is a tribute to all of us to continue the struggle for justice and humanity — not to be caught up in an ideology for a cause that is greater than our basic human needs for kindness, dignity and belonging.
    Lynn DeWoskin Covarrubias, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Send a caring text because kindness opens doors without fuss.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • From crisp, breathable cotton sheets that keep you cool in summer to luxurious silk or satin pillowcases that add a touch of elegance, the options are endless.
    Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Jackson plays Cooper, the sibling of Liz (Schlaepfer) and Cuoco’s character Kate, the eldest daughter who inherited her mother’s perfectionism, elegance, and organizational prowess.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has proved its biggest strategic advantage in the war.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The Penguins opted to sit Crosby and several other regulars after clinching a playoff berth for the first time since the 2021-22 season and home ice advantage throughout the first round.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Her look came adorned with red antlers and a person in a red bodysuit to hold her veil.
    Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The Phoenix Crown of the Druk Gyaltsuen (Dragon Queen) is made of silk brocade and adorned with phoenixes and other Buddhist motifs, Tatler Asia previously reported.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Several of the women pleaded to be beheaded before the fire was lit and were granted this mercy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Behind Riverside’s Cheryl Miller, who as a teenager showed no mercy on her younger brother, Reggie Miller, the future NBA star, in pickup games, USC won the title in 1982 and 1983.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The design captures the majesty and beauty of its origin.
    Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The fact that none of us got to see it, adds to the majesty and allure of the yeti, right?
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This can be a very valuable lesson and can help make the home/work distinction clearer.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
  • There’s an important distinction between these institutional alternative spaces and real artist-run spaces.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Each room is decorated with antiques and architectural salvage that’s been collected over the years, adding a little personality to the modern space.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The stunning views extend into the guest rooms, each of which is decorated with simple wooden furniture and has windows that open onto the salty air and the sound of crashing waves.
    Akash Kapur, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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