Definition of graciousnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word gracious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of gracious are affable, cordial, genial, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

When is it sensible to use affable instead of gracious?

Although the words affable and gracious have much in common, affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

Where would cordial be a reasonable alternative to gracious?

In some situations, the words cordial and gracious are roughly equivalent. However, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When might genial be a better fit than gracious?

The meanings of genial and gracious largely overlap; however, genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When could sociable be used to replace gracious?

The synonyms sociable and gracious are sometimes interchangeable, but sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

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 gracious After ten years at war and ten more at sea, he is borne back to Ithaca by his gracious hosts the Phaeacians, who have feasted him and delighted in his tales. David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 The owners were gracious enough to give us a detailed tour of the enormous space and its outstanding collection of artworks. Rebecca Treon, Parents, 18 June 2026 Canadians live up to their gracious, welcoming reputation, and their desire to make your visit special turns this stunning drive into a lifelong memory. Rebecca Deurlein, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2026 Sacca was surprisingly gracious, and Blumberg walked away with valuable insights. Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gracious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gracious
Adjective
  • Though like The-Witch-the-movie, this strange, jarring delight is concerned with the fate of older women in un-hospitable climes.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 July 2026
  • Skunks would rather put up with the strong scent of mothballs than leave a hospitable environment, making mothballs totally ineffective against skunks.
    Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Despite the minimalism and lack of physical controls, the EX30 interior isn’t a bad place to be—Volvo’s interior designers tend to understand the assignment well, and the textures and materials are pleasant to the touch.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026
  • This was a pleasant surprise given the significant worldwide controversy surrounding Huawei’s dominance in constructing 4G infrastructure.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • The result is a chain of polite, yet simultaneously radical buildings with an exciting contour resembling a mountainous landscape – adding ‘bergen’ in De Bergen!
    Bridget Borgobello July 04, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • Then, when regular channels deny your claim, send a polite, concise email to the company’s executives.
    Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Prior to the game, both players said Sutter Health Park had lived up to its reputation as a hitter-friendly ballpark.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • Alarmed by an avalanche of high-density development projects prompted by a developer-friendly state law, Miami commissioners have ordered the city attorney to look into challenging the controversial legislation.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Neither side has been shy of attacking, which has been a nice change of pace compared with the first couple of knockout stage matches.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • Been shooting some nice low scores in these last couple weeks outs here, so that’s something good to pat myself on the back.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • High ceilings and generous proportions create volume, while thoughtful transitions blur the lines between interior and exterior, extending daily life beyond the home’s four walls.
    GL Homes, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • The bold contrast calls for thoughtful choices of wall color.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Even the kindly Florida manatee, connoisseur of bayou seagrass, sometimes flies into a carnivorous rage, snapping up fish and gnashing them in its terrible teeth.
    David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
  • The show sends Pride & Prejudice‘s resident frump (a charming Ella Bruccoleri) on a journey of self-discovery filled with kindly relatives, enormous books, lavish balls and, yes, eligible suitors.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Even sweeter, Home Chef and Gordon Ramsay have collaborated to bring restaurant-quality, five-star meals to home kitchens through Home Chef's meal kit service.
    Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • This crowd pleaser, invented by bartender Sam Ross in 2008, gets its charm from two different bittersweet Italian liqueurs, even though the resulting cocktail is neither particularly bitter nor sweet.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gracious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gracious. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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