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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

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 gracious Alisa would remind him to be gracious, smile, say thank you and pose for a photo if asked. Maggie Shannon, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025 The building itself includes 24-hour concierge service and features a gracious lobby with a residents’ lounge. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025 Throughout the conversation, maintain a gracious tone regardless of immediate outcomes. Kara Dennison, Sphr, Cprw, Ec, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 He's taught me lessons every day: how to be a leader, how to be a great actor, how to be a gracious actor on set. Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gracious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gracious
Adjective
  • Those proteins—called effectors—attack specific targets that collectively disable the host's defense responses and make the host more hospitable for its bacterial conqueror.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 14 May 2025
  • There must be a penalty until the campus is shown to be hospitable to Jewish students.
    Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • But overall, this affordable bed frame offers a good mix of pleasant aesthetics and practical storage solutions.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 15 May 2025
  • If busier weekends someday mean parking an extra block away, that will be a pleasant problem to solve.
    Belal Aftab, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • This case involves the Hatchet Girls, a cult that follows a bloodthirsty leader intent on giving polite society hell.
    Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
  • What is a polite way to refuse a hug with friends or strangers?
    Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • During public remarks in 2022, Justice Elena Kagan – one of the court’s three liberal justices − spoke out against sweeping injunctions and the ability of challengers to find one friendly judge to issue such an order.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • Hussain has a friendly, reassuring presence, making the already-simple recipes even less intimidating.
    Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Half Dome comes with a footprint, which is a rarity these days, and nice to have.
    Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 16 May 2025
  • However, a very nice man let us in, much to the chagrin of a lady who did not want to let us in.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Practice, Practice, Practice One of the ways that the greats prepare themselves for the biggest moments is through thoughtful preparation.
    Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • Tesfaye’s bold and electric presence onstage and onscreen is an intriguing counterpoint to the thoughtful and soft-spoken man who sits for a chat about his movie.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Eventually, Billy tries to warn the foster care headquarters, managed by a kindly woman named Wendy (Sally-Anne Upton), that Laura is trying to sabotage Billy.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 May 2025
  • The cast includes Stephen Merchant as the voice of the mouse, Kristen Wiig as a scenery-chewing evil aunt, and Jim Broadbent as a kindly but clueless king.
    EW.com, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Following Cameron’s sweet toast to Kaya, Elsbeth offers her own toast and new insights into her next chapter.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 9 May 2025
  • This is a sweet story all about family legacy, authentic food, and fighting to preserve both in the face of hardship.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gracious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gracious. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on gracious

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