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
Sometimes hurting people teaches you how to love or being hurt by people teaches you a lot about forgiveness and grace. Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 Once beloved, Miasma fell from grace over the years thanks to a series of shitty sequels plus later generations’ reappraisal of the films’ blatant misogyny and transphobia. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 14 May 2026
Verb
The singer and actress, 38, graces the cover of the summer 2026 issue in a plunging one-piece swimsuit. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 Cocteau, Picasso, and Sterling Ruby grace the apartment's walls. Fanny Guénon Des Mesnards, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Understand that kindness and consideration can go a long way in these types of negotiation situations.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
  • Regardless of travel purpose or appearance, kindness and patience matter most in how passengers are treated.
    Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Its elegance is showcased in movies, books, and art.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
  • From May 12 to May 23, the iconic brand joins in celebrating the artistry, elegance and empowerment that define beauty, both on and off the red carpet.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • For one thing, that extra speed—plus a spike in spin, which has allowed pitchers to throw harder while also making the ball swerve, dive, and kick—has given pitchers an even greater advantage over batters than before.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • Lennard scored a late touchdown in the second quarter and had a 6-0 advantage at halftime.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba is mesmerizing in space, and dynamic playmakers adorn every level of this Seahawks roster.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 May 2026
  • These desserts are presented on an artful seasonal tower adorned with soft greenery and foliage.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Without a free press, Cuba’s history and memory were at the mercy of power.
    Abraham Jiménez Enoa, The Dial, 19 May 2026
  • Only God at this time can have mercy on her soul.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • The mountains and the energy of the place inject this kind of mystical majesty into the work.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • And his demented majesty has no intention of going gentle into that good night.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Its star, Louise Lasser, graced the covers of People, Newsweek, and TV Guide, back when those distinctions really meant something.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • Following a meticulous restoration, its Art Deco soul remains intact, a distinction further affirmed by its Michelin Key.
    William Jones, USA Today, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • For families The kids club is tucked away in a garden, with its own pool and water slide as well as a jungle gym and craft classes (like lantern-making, coconut leaf art, and seashell bracelet decorating) for children up to age 12.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
  • Caramel popcorn shaped and colored decorated the booths like sculpture.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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