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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gracious
The architecture reflects that stately sensibility, with a classic Colonial Revival facade that gives way to interiors scaled for both gracious entertaining and relaxed family living.
—
Mark David, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
Polished, gracious — with a shadow just beneath the surface.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2026
The other half, less widely acknowledged, is being a gracious winner.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Like the beloved barbecue, sweet tea, and gracious hospitality the South is known for, kudzu has regrettably become part of the culture.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gracious
Mark David, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
Polished, gracious — with a shadow just beneath the surface.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2026
The other half, less widely acknowledged, is being a gracious winner.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Like the beloved barbecue, sweet tea, and gracious hospitality the South is known for, kudzu has regrettably become part of the culture.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gracious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gracious
Adjective
-
Over time, this will make your garden and lawn less hospitable to mushrooms and less likely to sprout.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 May 2026
-
Aerating also leads to healthier lawns by creating an environment that is less hospitable to grubs.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
But as the evidence mounts, scientists continue to puzzle over the pleasant surprise—how are vaccines that target specific pathogens inadvertently shielding our minds from deterioration?—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
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Last year, against the Minnesota Frost, was a bit more of a pleasant surprise after a one-goal regular season campaign by Leslie, who spent two seasons between Toronto and Ottawa as a useful depth player.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
My son’s friend is an exemplary young man, polite and respectful in all ways except one.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
9 May 2026
-
My son’s friend is an exemplary young man — polite and respectful in all ways except one.—
Jacobina Martin,
Washington Post,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said his new government has summoned the Russian ambassador over a drone attack near Hungary’s border, in a significant shift from his predecessor Viktor Orbán’s friendly relations with Moscow.—
Hanna Arhirova,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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There’s a friendly reception area with a giant chalkboard informing guests of local events, ranging from in-house parties to full moon nights at the Acropolis and big name gigs by the touring artists.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
The comfortable seating area in the living room includes couches and armchairs set in front of the TV and fireplace for relaxing after a day on the slopes, and a dining table provides a nice spot to relax and eat.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
-
Sullivan made a nice play on the ball and then twisted out of a tackle and ran 15 yards to the goal line.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Pisces Moon supports thoughtful expression and easier communication.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
-
Izaiah is sweet, funny, and incredibly thoughtful, often bringing a positive and lighthearted energy to the people around him.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
Since 1980, her partner had been the kindly, worshipful Dutch actor Robert Wolders, whom Ferrer likens to a gentlemanly doormat.—
Hadley Hall Meares,
Vanity Fair,
15 May 2026
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The economist’s description of the Fed chair was admiring, almost tender— comparing him to a kindly gardener who knew just how much sunlight to bestow upon the plants, or to a father figure who could keep his profligate and dissolute children on the right path.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Izaiah is sweet, funny, and incredibly thoughtful, often bringing a positive and lighthearted energy to the people around him.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
-
This sort of attention to dessert is otherwise increasingly rare; too many ambitious kitchens pour all their resources into their savory menus and then punt on the sweet courses, serving a scoop of gelato in a fancy coupe, or a slice of cake assembled off-site.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gracious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gracious. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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