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 Part of what makes calla lilies look so dynamic in a bouquet is their long, graceful stems. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 27 July 2026 Diving with sharks in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience and offers a chance to fall in love with these powerful yet graceful creatures. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 26 July 2026 Opening night on Friday will showcase the Mehura competition, a more languid dance style, with graceful arm movements that have a theme or tell a story. — Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026 Roman designer Ludovica Malagò, who cofounded Studio Malià with Gaia Rebecchini, demonstrates one graceful way to do so in this recent project. — Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 18 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
  • As a result, smaller, agile teams are reaching the output levels of much larger organizations, increasing operational efficiency and reducing time to value.
    — Matt Overman, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The company's three key strategic priorities include focusing on keeping its core brands competitive and in line with consumer trends; keeping customers central to its decisions, and having a more agile and efficient operating framework.
    — April Roach,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of agile
Adjective
  • Its interior design matches the vibe, with elegant period-style design complemented by touches of country life—riding boots placed beside a cast-iron fireguard inside, terracotta pots next to Victorian wrought-iron chairs on the outdoor patio.
    — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Follow what feels elegant, interesting, and horizon-widening.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • Benedict Cumberbatch got the cheekbones and the nimble, articulate language tools.
    — Lisa Rosen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Quincy Tyler Bernstine does some nimble work here, layering Nora’s intent and demeanor in this brief interaction.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of nimble
Adjective
  • Later on, Bret wanders away from his friends and runs into Debbie’s father, Terry Schaffer (Wes Bentley), entertaining handsome young men in the hot tub.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The younger Gere plays Robert Mallory, the handsome new student who transfers to Buckley prep at the same time that The Trawler begins killing local teens.
    — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 5 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
  • Drain crushed pineapple through a fine mesh strainer set over a small bowl.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Those willing to spend the day — and night — outside could witness some of the finest skywatching 2026 has to offer.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 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
  • The large, majestic tree in your neighbor’s yard may not be on your property, but its roots might be.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The team effort to give the majestic bird a chance means a lot and shows how loved the bald eagles of Big Rock Park are.
    — Jessica Guay, CBS News, 30 July 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on graceful

Nglish: Translation of graceful for Spanish Speakers

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