grace 1 of 2

Definition of gracenext
1
as in kindness
an act of kind assistance in Victor Hugo's novel, Les Misérables, Jean Valjean's decision to go to jail for the man mistaken for him is a grace that goes beyond thanks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in advantage
a quality that gives something special worth as if taste were not enough, red wine has the added grace of being healthy for the heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grace

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun grace differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grace are charity, clemency, leniency, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When is charity a more appropriate choice than grace?

In some situations, the words charity and grace are roughly equivalent. However, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

When is it sensible to use clemency instead of grace?

While in some cases nearly identical to grace, clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

In what contexts can leniency take the place of grace?

While the synonyms leniency and grace are close in meaning, leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When might mercy be a better fit than grace?

The words mercy and grace can be used in similar contexts, but mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

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 grace
Noun
Unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest as soon as the funds are disbursed, and subsidized loans don't accrue interest while you're enrolled at least half-time or during eligible grace and deferment periods. Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 30 June 2026 Alyssa encourages all who wish to welcome children to advocate for themselves, believe in the possibility of miracles, be open to all avenues to parenthood and give themselves grace to feel all of their emotions that come with the journey. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
Verb
Ahead, revisit Kate Middleton’s best Wimbledon outfits since the princess first graced a match. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 June 2026 The space is graced with 500 artworks, selected specifically for this address by Dumas. Nick Scott, Robb Report, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • All of us are invited to choose to become better human beings and to show up at work and in the world with increasing love, kindness, courage and forgiveness.
    Mikhail Shneyder, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • That instinct to lean into life with curiosity, optimism, and kindness is, perhaps, America's greatest attraction.
    Divia Thani, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • What emerged was a wardrobe that balanced sensuality, ease and elegance.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
  • There’s a certain elegance and sophistication to rooftop bars and restaurants captured in the American imagination.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • The Red Sox tacked on two insurance runs in the seventh on Abreu’s sacrifice fly and Masataka Yoshida’s RBI single for a 7-3 advantage.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Good luck with that message in flyover country when the revolutionaries don’t enjoy the advantages of light-turnout primaries.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • He was surrounded by beige pleather armchairs gathered around low tables adorned with silk flowers.
    Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • While male figures adorn the bills, recent years have seen the signatures of powerful women like Janet Yellen, Lynn Malerba, Azie Taylor Morton, and Rosa Gumataotao Rios quietly circulate on trillions of dollars.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Yet the greater influence, Campo believes, on America’s self-governing sense of law, justice and mercy is found at the Museum of the Bible, where the famous portrait of General Washington in prayer headlines the museum’s exhibit.
    Lauren Green, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Any excuse to drop the laptop, leave the city, turn the phone over, or pretend for seventy-two hours that the inbox has lost its jurisdiction is taken as a minor national mercy.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Since discovering the beauty of Florida more than four decades ago, Clyde Butcher has become known for his giant black-and-white photographs showing the dramatic majesty of the state’s landscape — especially the Everglades.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
  • Route 12, Utah The red rock majesty of Utah is on triumphant display on State Route 12, winding between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks.
    Sarah Rose, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The film carries a further distinction as one of the first war features shot entirely in Bali.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 July 2026
  • It is earned through transparency, verification, and a clear distinction between fact, inference, and speculation.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • In fact, decorating your cubicle versus your laptop screen, might just be the way to move your career forward.
    Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • For the little ones, bring their bike, wagon, scooter or stroller to decorate before taking a Liberty Lap through the park.
    Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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