grace 1 of 2

noun

ˈgrās How to pronounce grace (audio)
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

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2
as in elegance
dignified or restrained beauty of form, appearance, or style a beautiful actress who was the epitome of grace during her too-brief career

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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

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grace

2 of 2

verb

as in to adorn
to make more attractive by adding something that is beautiful or becoming I hope that you will grace our gathering with your presence

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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
The same grace would not be extended if our kids did that in the streets. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 11 June 2025 The two-in-one ensemble was a poignant fashion moment further enriched by McDonald’s innate grace. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 9 June 2025
Verb
Listen to this article Former Superintendent Paul Hagerty, who led Seminole County Public Schools for a decade and whose name graces one of its high schools, died May 20. —Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2025 Jessica Simpson graced the stage of American Idol on Sunday, marking her first TV performance in 15 years. —Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
  1. kindness
  2. elegance
  3. advantage
  4. adorn
  5. mercy
  6. majesty
  7. distinction
  8. decorate
Noun
  • But in the fleet, pacey manner of the editing, toggling between private and public moments with highlight-reel efficiency, the film is a stirring glimpse of top-down kindness as a winning leadership style.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
  • Critically, the Predator’s language is translated so that the three warriors can understand their captors, but that kindness does not extend to letting the prisoners understand each other.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 June 2025
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • For over 70 years, Half Moon has been one of the most iconic resorts in the Caribbean, exuding a refined elegance that stands the test of time.
    — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
  • The Legacy Release Three 32 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky honors the original distillery’s style, showcasing a refined elegance, floral complexity, and a layered flavor profile.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Definition of elegance
Noun
  • Sam Bennett, who scored twice in Florida’s Game 1 loss, capitalized on the man advantage with the game’s first goal.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • No Balance Sheet Challenges Here From a financial stability point of view, both companies exhibit robust balance sheets, though Palantir has a slight advantage.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of advantage
Verb
  • The bottoms were adorned with allover Swarovski rhinestones.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 June 2025
  • Shops across the city are adorned in green and gold — green for pistachios, gold for the dessert's flakey crust.
    — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 7 June 2025
Definition of adorn
Noun
  • When sending and receiving payments, SMBs can find themselves at the mercy of exchange rates.
    — Visa Contributor, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • But Cuomo and others are wrong to assume that the city is at the mercy of Capitol lawmakers.
    — Paul Sonn, New York Daily News, 4 June 2025
Definition of mercy
Noun
  • What’s most important is to take it all in: the place, its majesty and its importance.
    — Caroline Eubanks, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Her majesty, the queen, is here.
    — Jack Howland, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of majesty
Noun
  • Smallpox was officially declared eradicated by the WHO in October 1980, and is today still the only human disease to achieve this distinction.
    — Time, Time, 11 June 2025
  • This distinction in intent produces markedly different outcomes.
    — Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Definition of distinction
Verb
  • After the supplies were unloaded, Qasem Hassan pulled a medical smock over her black jacket and entered a classroom decorated with diagrams of the digestive system.
    — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
  • These partners don’t just decorate boats with their logos.
    — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Definition of decorate

Phrases Containing grace

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on grace

Nglish: Translation of grace for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grace

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