GRACEFUL Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

graceful

adjective

ˈgrās-fəl

Definition of graceful

as in agile

moving easily the graceful ballerina effortlessly leapt across the stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in elegant

having or showing elegance sat down in the old plantation home's very graceful parlor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 graceful Bryan Singer’s ingenious thriller is both a graceful callback to ’50s potboilers and a savage modernization of them. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026 As with many of the academic cases, there are often no permanent consequences for Pretendians; they are either allowed to continue teaching or granted a graceful retirement. — Tommy Orange, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 The driveway, lined with perennial beds, has a graceful curve on its way to a large circle that allows guests to park near the walkway to the front porch. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026 The country is mired in a war with Iran with no graceful exit opportunities; a new round of tariffs threatens to further disrupt fragile global trade relations; and the domestic economy faces inflation combined with paltry growth. — Zachary Karabell, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for graceful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for graceful

Adjective

Swapping bulky eyes for agile whiskers makes autonomous search-and-rescue bots smaller, lighter, and smarter.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
Volkswagen To make a comparatively heavy EV handle more like an agile hot hatch, VW has deployed electronic differential locks and adaptive dampers.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of agile

Adjective

The menu is helmed by Tyler Heckman, a Connecticut native who cut his teeth in New York, and is elegant and thoughtfully sourced but approachable.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
Related Articles All over the bodice, but most certainly the skirt of the dress, flouncy, delicate feathers were featured in abundance, giving the overall design a distinctly textural and playful feel that was still refined and elegant.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of elegant

Adjective

Western chefs’ knives tend to be sturdy, heavy, and made with slightly softer and more forgiving steel; Japanese chef’s knives (known as a gyuto), on the other hand, are designed to be sharp, nimble, and excellent slicers.

— Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026
Ko ensured the recipe’s instructions in this book were as pristine and legible as Vongerichten’s cooking is nimble and gleaming.

— Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of nimble

Adjective

Enter Darlene’s handsome grandson Matt (Buckley), a Chicago firefighter and die-hard Bears fan who, with a little gentle nudging from Darlene, agrees to show Avery what being part of Bears Nation is all about.

— Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
McDavid’s isolated stats show his line surrendered more goals but still delivered a handsome 54 percent share.

— Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of handsome

Adjective

Director John Woo brings a balletic style that exudes confidence and flair, particularly in the stunning one-take hospital shootout sequence.

— Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Italy was leading 1–0 when, in the 78th minute, Baggio exchanged passes with teammate Giuseppe Giannini, drifted through Czechoslovakia’s defense with balletic control, and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.

— Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 June 2026

Definition of balletic

Adjective

Alvarezsaurs were predominantly small, with stubby but powerful forelimbs, long and gracile hindlimbs and lightly built skulls.

— Reuters, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
Hawkins misplaced horns and spikes, and some of his robust four-legged dinosaurs were actually gracile bipeds.

— Yannic Rack, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Aug. 2023

Definition of gracile

Adjective

For many travelers this majestic continent at the end of the Earth represents the ultimate journey.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2026
Two engaged couples posed for wedding photos in between joggers, dog walkers and sightseers who clamored around Osprey Street to enjoy the day’s majestic sunset.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of majestic

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“Graceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/graceful. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of graceful

adjective

Example Sentences

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