grace 1 of 2

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

Relevance

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
But Kenya’s already packed up the grace and locked it in storage. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 7 Apr. 2025 Long a controversial figure, Brand has since fallen out of public grace amid reports of alleged rape and assaults. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
This edition will include hoofing through Place de la Nation and then back to the usual crossing at the Bois de Vincennes and returning to the city center along the right bank of the Seine, graced by the view of the Eiffel Tower. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 Pair it with a Lily of the Valley bouquet, and a necklace that graces the back. Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • His unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to serving others have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Sure, the product is important, but kindness—the opposite of rudeness and apathy—is what keeps them coming back.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Burgundy whites are almost always 100% Chardonnay, known for their elegance and complexity.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Here, eight settee styles that channel elegance without stuffiness.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Even as Liverpool have spluttered and stuttered, Mikel Arteta’s side have doggedly refused to take advantage, declining to ignite the thing as a contest.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Atlanta took advantage, with Trae Young driving for a layup to tie the score at 106 with 1.3 seconds remaining and force overtime.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Speaking of the stairs, they’re adorned with a mural that adds to the weight of history the characters are constantly inspired by and suffocating under.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Nestled along the sandy shores of Siloso Beach, the resort is adorned in tropical greenery, while peacocks wander freely across the gardens, hornbills perch in the frangipani trees and dinosaur-like monitor lizards sunbathe by breakfast tables.
    Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Their operations and revenues remain at the mercy of uncontrollable natural forces.
    Guy Courtin, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Customers are at the mercy of electric companies that raised power prices 11% in 2022 and 2.5% in 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s state electricity profiles.
    Andrew Carpenter, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Her majesty, the queen, is here.
    Jack Howland, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Evergreen trees shade the pastoral grounds, planted to simulate the majesty of being in the Rocky Mountains, the owner’s other favorite place.
    Cortney Fries, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • With his first career homer, Wilson earned the distinction of blasting the A’s first home run at Sutter Health Park, doing so in the March 31 home opener vs. the Seattle Mariners.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This effectively removes the distinction between mainstream and AI stacks.
    Dinesh Subhraveti, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The cake, decorated with mini eggs in pink, blue and purple, looks good enough to eat.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • With a light and fluffy texture, these are ideal for topping, decorating and spreading on baked goods.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grace

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!