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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in attentiveness
speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding
at this type of private school, young women would be taught upper-class graciousness
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2
as in sweetness
the state or quality of having a pleasant or agreeable manner in socializing with others
his graciousness and wit kept his fellow diners entertained throughout the meal
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gracious
Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 July 2025
Miss Manners is certain that your heartfelt gratitude, in the form of a gracious and appreciative handwritten letter, will be thanks enough.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
To their credit, the Heat have been gracious in their credit to the Panthers.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
The food was unfussy and full-flavored, the service gracious, and the staff — from the spa therapists to the bakers — seemed genuinely happy to be here.
—Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gracious
Adjective
For some science, the discoveries will be limited by whatever the sky is gracious enough to give—a star must explode for the Rubin Observatory to spot a new supernova, for example.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 July 2025
Miss Manners is certain that your heartfelt gratitude, in the form of a gracious and appreciative handwritten letter, will be thanks enough.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
To their credit, the Heat have been gracious in their credit to the Panthers.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
The food was unfussy and full-flavored, the service gracious, and the staff — from the spa therapists to the bakers — seemed genuinely happy to be here.
—Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gracious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gracious
Adjective
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But the people tasked with reviewing the project at its next step may not be as hospitable.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
3 July 2025
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Until recently, the top of women’s tennis was a hospitable place for prodigies.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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Like, so deeply moral and kind and pleasant and smart.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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Like so deeply moral and kind and pleasant and smart.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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From a software engineering perspective, being polite is a waste of resources.—
Adrian Bridgwater,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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Just be polite and point out the issue at checkout.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Their previous encounter, during Arsenal’s pre-season friendly against United in Los Angeles last summer, ended with Heaven leaving Mount on the grass through a foul from behind.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
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But if oil prices remain middling, even friendly policies might not compel companies to significantly ramp up drilling.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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The units also vary in shape: the cube is nice for nightstands, while the wider grand size works well on large dressers.—
Jamie Fischer,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
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And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.—
Shalwah Evans,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Firing off hundreds of identical applications and CVs is unlikely to land you that dream role, so every application needs a thoughtful approach.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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The attention Buzz has received from fans online has even inspired thoughtful next steps.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
28 July 2025
Adjective
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Isla Baker, 14, of Downers Grove, plays Mrs. Dashwood, the kindly mother of the girls, and two other characters.—
Hank Beckman,
Chicago Tribune,
15 July 2025
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Those with kindly outlooks might believe that people comfy with that kind of damage might not understand its impact.—
Pat Beall,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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This cute figurine comes in three different styles: one sweet ceramic ghost holding a bat, another ghost holding a pink pumpkin, and the third, in a witch's hat, walking a ghostly dog on a leash.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 July 2025
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Co-created by sitcom king Chuck Lorre with Morgan and Susan McMartin, the sitcom veers more sweet than bitter, more fizzy than heavy, more focused on the comedic possibilities of Leanne’s wide-open future than the poignant memories of her past.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gracious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gracious. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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