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

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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
From a spirited young girl splashing in the brown waters of Galveston to a woman carving her place as a wife, mother and businesswoman, Mama Tina's journey is full of grit, grace and resilience. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 Perhaps this realization can lead to a wider sense of wonder about the world, and of grace. Rabbi David Steinhardt, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 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
Noun
  • By Carol McCloud, Illustrated by David Messing Summary: This book explains clearly and simply how everyone has an invisible bucket that can be filled through small acts of kindness or emptied by acts of thoughtlessness or cruelty.
    Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Among the many points for assessing happiness around the world, like sharing meals with others and family bonds, researchers for the 2025 World Happiness Report looked closely at acts of kindness.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • This pitching staff is getting slugged, rendering whatever advantage it’s created on swing-and-miss much less impactful.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Signature lines from the production adorn the entry wall, a remote control signals a projector to show films from the 1960’s, the musical’s era, including Cool Hand Luke and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid starring the main character’s idol Paul Newman.
    Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • It’s carved from a snaking mulberry branch and adorned with microchips, with a C.P.U. fan and a small desk clock embedded in the smoothly polished wood near its head.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 29 May 2025
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
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
Noun
  • Those 30-something passengers represented a surprising demographic distinction for this city mainly known for its long winters, spicy chicken wings and proximity to one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the country.
    David Allan, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
  • Dylan’s detention has also drawn the condemnation of New York’s governor, who at an unrelated press conference Thursday in Hell’s Kitchen made a distinction between assisting in the removal of people who have been accused of crimes and separating families.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Read Next World 1,400-year-old crown — still decorated with insect wings — found in South Korea May 22, 2025 1:16 PM Read Next World Students locate ancient Roman army camp beyond empire’s northern border.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
  • After the sculptures were dismissed by the gallery, Washington socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean, who owned the 45-carat Hope Diamond, bought them to decorate the land around her swimming pool.
    Samantha Baskind, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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