graceful

adjective

ˈgrās-fəl How to pronounce graceful (audio)
Definition of gracefulnext
1
as in agile
moving easily the graceful ballerina effortlessly leapt across the stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 And much as a dancer in Buenos Aires might demonstrate their skill with a graceful kick of the leg, so Álvarez displayed his with a sharp flick of the wrist. — Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 Memories of a childhood marked by economic hardship and abuse intertwine with the natural world in this graceful début memoir, which is structured around the author’s seven-year project of walking every street in Santa Cruz County, in California. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 If Mitchell’s resolution to his script’s dangling questions feels somewhat rote, a graceful epilogue leaps several decades forward to end matters on an interesting, unexpected note. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 31 July 2026 In practical terms, that means better throughput, lower tail latency, and a more graceful way to serve large models at scale. — Karl Freund, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for graceful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for graceful
  1. agile
  2. elegant
  3. nimble
  4. handsome
  5. balletic
  6. fine
  7. gracile
  8. majestic
Adjective
  • Researchers have developed a new control framework that enables humanoid robots to perform agile movements, including army crawls, breakdancing and backflips.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Illinois pols are more adept and agile than Cirque du Soleil aerialists.
    — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of agile
Adjective
  • The five-night yacht voyages combine access to historic sites along the river and elegant, luxurious accommodations.
    — Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Featuring romantic bell sleeves, an elegant boat neckline, and an adjustable back cinch detail, this figure-forming top looks flattering on just about everyone.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • The idea is that doing so allows the drone to be nimbler, quieter, and more energy-efficient than its four-prop counterparts.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Some companies have taken aim at middle managers as the companies seek to be more nimble.
    — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of nimble
Adjective
  • Getty Images In less than a year, Mark Walter bought the NBA’s most valuable franchise and then flipped it for a handsome profit.
    — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Ideally located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the Taskers Pond neighborhood, a handsome colonial has just come on the market.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 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
  • Even though his parents split more than 25 years ago, according to Us Weekly, their living arrangement worked out just fine.
    — Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Before planting any hibiscus seeds, start by nicking or sanding the seeds using fine-grade sandpaper or the tip of a knife.
    — Shelby Vittek, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of fine
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
  • Shot across the teeming city streets and the majestic underground caves of Ireland, Bucking Fastard features operatic imagery from the director’s longtime cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The rolling hills behind the beach looked majestic against the darkening sky.
    — Annie Daly, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of majestic

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Cite this Entry

“Graceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/graceful. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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