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
Still, Higgins noted that her pro partner is a trooper through and through, and handled the moment with grace. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2026 For cadres and others subject to rectification, the process sorts who is in and who has fallen out of the good graces of party leaders. — Andrew Mertha, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
Upon his release from prison, Kartel even graced a Billboard digital cover commemorating his seismic Freedom Street comeback show, which was reportedly the biggest concert to grace Jamaica in 50 years. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026 New asymmetrical Fieg and Asics branding features on the tongue and mustache, the former of which appears in the latter’s signature font, and a special Kith 15th anniversary graphic graces the insole. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Lee, meanwhile, is magnificent in a role requiring similar kindness, only laced with loneliness and loss.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Amagda Pérez Amagda Pérez advocates for immigrants and farmworkers with kindness, respect and determination.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Capturing the whole of the set-up, a Mediterranean pile on the north-west coast of Cyprus, framing its splendid size, its weighty elegance, its thrilling solidity, is challenging.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Mosaku’s dress was formfitting and merged timeless elegance with a scintillating, sensual appeal by contemporary standards.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Koerte says this is where the longevity of Europe’s leading manufacturers could be an advantage.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The Hawkeyes were held to just 238 yards as Ohio State, which had 484 yards, had almost a 17-minute advantage in time of possession.
    — John Bohnenkamp, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The silhouette, which brought back the trend of years gone by, was equipped with a panel on the front adorned with floral motifs, pearls and vines, all in gold that, from afar, looked like sequins.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Murals of a variety of styles continue to adorn buildings, walls and parks in the Sacramento region, with varying degrees of issues and controversy and connections to art, history and community.
    — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Flynn's parents were among several relatives who wrote to Pratt asking for mercy ahead of sentencing.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Such mercy wouldn’t apply if Adolf Hitler’s brutal Gestapo got hold of them.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • From the charming courtyards and upscale fashion boutiques tucked behind Worth Avenue to the rugged majesty of Jupiter’s inlets, the region is a playground for the curious traveler.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The stunning majesty of Florida’s wildlife, lands and culture is on display in a new show at Winter Garden’s SOBO Art Gallery.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Stillness, which had seemed ontologically secondary to the art form, now gained distinction as a substantive component.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The distinction matters in environments such as logistics and manufacturing, where productivity depends on throughput rather than simply completing an individual movement.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • You’re pointed to the hotel entrance by a series of discrete signs in gold lettering, where lifts take you to the beautiful 10th floor lobby decorated in cream and white and accented with simple, bold artworks, also in gold.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The Clarins brand developed travel retail sets with boxes decorated uniquely for the city the traveler is in, highlighting moments of discovery.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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