Synonyms of gracious

gracious

adjective

ˈgrā-shəs 

1

as in hospitable

showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations

a gracious host who goes out of his way to make every guest feel welcome

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hospitable
• friendly
• polite
• kindly
• thoughtful
• affable
• cordial
• outgoing
• genial
• amiable
• kind
• sociable
• courteous
• congenial
• benign
• neighborly
• agreeable
• obliging
• considerate
• attentive
• convivial
• accommodating
• sophisticated
• approachable
• cosmopolitan
• benignant
• urbane

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ungracious
• inhospitable
• unsociable
• ungenial
• churlish
• boorish
• abrupt
• blunt
• brusque
• gruff
• sharp
• curt
• unkind
• unfriendly
• rude
• disagreeable
• surly
• snippy
• sullen
• discourteous
• antisocial
• impolite
• uncivil
• unmannerly
• cross
• grumpy
• crusty
• crabby
• crabbed
• brusk
• ill-mannered

2

as in pleasant

having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations

a gracious innkeeper whose jokes and laughter made weary travelers feel right at home

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pleasant
• nice
• sweet
• amiable
• friendly
• affable
• delightful
• agreeable
• cheerful
• good-natured
• polite
• clever
• genial
• kind
• attractive
• thoughtful
• gentle
• good-tempered
• mellow
• well-disposed
• courteous
• benign
• neighborly
• cordial
• amicable
• civil
• enjoyable
• cheery
• considerate
• companionable
• sunny
• amenable
• glad
• sociable
• likable
• obliging
• conversable
• accommodating
• likeable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ungracious
• unpleasant
• disagreeable
• unkind
• rude
• surly
• unamiable
• discourteous
• inconsiderate
• boorish
• impolite
• uncivil
• irritable
• unmannerly
• cantankerous
• irascible
• unsociable
• petulant
• peevish
• churlish
• grumpy
• grouchy
• touchy
• contrary
• ungenial
• cranky
• snappish
• fussy
• testy
• ill-natured
• crabby
• bilious
• dyspeptic
• choleric
• ill-tempered
• ornery
• contentious
• argumentative
• querulous
• bearish
• ill-mannered
• unattractive
• unappealing
• sour
• ill-humored
• quick-tempered
• vinegary

3

as in polite

showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners

he was a gracious man, habitually offering his seat on the bus to elderly women

Synonyms & Similar Words

• polite
• thoughtful
• civil
• nice
• courteous
• careful
• respectful
• friendly
• pleasant
• graceful
• genteel
• gallant
• elegant
• respectable
• humble
• civilized
• well-bred
• mannerly
• good
• attentive
• solicitous
• considerate
• appropriate
• gentlemanly
• chivalrous
• meek
• hospitable
• ceremonious
• smooth
• acceptable
• ceremonial
• suitable
• decent
• formal
• dutiful
• suave
• correct
• ladylike
• deferential
• courtly
• affable
• unctuous
• urbane
• decorous
• cordial
• gentlemanlike
• fitting
• proper
• genial
• submissive
• refined
• meet
• modest
• right
• sociable
• becoming
• felicitous
• yielding
• fit
• red-carpet
• befitting
• couth
• seemly
• unassertive
• demure
• comme il faut

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ungracious
• thoughtless
• rude
• discourteous
• inconsiderate
• impolite
• thoughtless
• uncivil
• unmannerly
• inconsiderate
• bold
• heedless
• impudent
• disrespectful
• insolent
• audacious
• shameless
• informal
• impertinent
• brassy
• saucy
• unmannered
• brash
• casual
• vulgar
• uncouth
• churlish
• boorish
• ill-mannered
• improper
• ungenteel
• clownish
• mannerless
• inappropriate
• loutish
• ill-bred
• arrogant
• incorrect
• unceremonious
• indecent
• unseemly
• presumptuous
• bold-faced
• indecorous
• pretentious
• uncalled-for
• conceited
• lippy
• clodhopping
• unrespectable
• presuming

Synonym Chooser

How is the word gracious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of gracious are affable, cordial, genial, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

When is it sensible to use affable instead of gracious?

Although the words affable and gracious have much in common, affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

Where would cordial be a reasonable alternative to gracious?

In some situations, the words cordial and gracious are roughly equivalent. However, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When might genial be a better fit than gracious?

The meanings of genial and gracious largely overlap; however, genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When could sociable be used to replace gracious?

The synonyms sociable and gracious are sometimes interchangeable, but sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gracious

Send a gracious follow-up note thanking the hiring team for their time and consideration. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

The Mallard Lounge epitomizes the après-ski tradition, providing a gracious transition from active days to relaxed evenings. —Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

Mina, worried about her young kids doing the math about her long, grueling commute, cautiously accepts Alma’s gracious offer. —Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025

The designer’s eye for beauty and love of historic homes is evident in her timeless spaces, which are enhanced by gracious wall coverings, elegant antiques, and sophisticated (but comfortable!) seating. —Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2025