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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 Send a gracious follow-up note thanking the hiring team for their time and consideration. Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 The Mallard Lounge epitomizes the après-ski tradition, providing a gracious transition from active days to relaxed evenings. Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 Mina, worried about her young kids doing the math about her long, grueling commute, cautiously accepts Alma’s gracious offer. Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025 The designer’s eye for beauty and love of historic homes is evident in her timeless spaces, which are enhanced by gracious wall coverings, elegant antiques, and sophisticated (but comfortable!) seating. Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gracious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gracious
Adjective
  • In the South, our houses are all about the exterior charm which sets the tone for the inviting and hospitable interior beyond the front door.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Software firm Adobe received a less-than-hospitable reception from the community after debuting on fast-growing X alternative Bluesky.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Exploring ancient hot spots like Delphi, ancient Epidaurus, and Olympia on foot is much more pleasant in spring temperatures averaging from the 60s to the high 70s.
    Helen Iatrou, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Some images are pleasant, while others are painful and heart-wrenching to produce.
    The Pham, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Letting your friend know their deodorant is a little weak is a direct but still polite way to encourage them to freshen up.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Some people are strangely triggered and less than polite, especially men and people with migraines who seem to hate it.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her willpower wobbling, the 37-year-old nurse and mother of three pushed her shopping cart forward, giving the friendly salesman a wide berth.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Adopted in 2020, the Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities created a classification system for business and investors to know what activities are considered green or climate friendly.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • After spending the last two seasons together at the University of Minnesota, it’s been nice having each other to lean on — and to geek out with.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Not easy to do, but nice to come through tonight.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This is a complex matter requiring thoughtful consideration and a long-term perspective.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The pair both showed up to their second date on the beach with thoughtful gifts and eventually shared their first kiss before Tyler met Madison's family.
    Glamour, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The cast includes Stephen Merchant as the voice of the mouse, Kristen Wiig as a scenery-chewing evil aunt, and Jim Broadbent as a kindly but clueless king.
    EW.com, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024
  • In his fourth feature, director Hsiao Ya-Chuan follows the unsentimental education of a motherless 11-year-old boy, Liao Jie (Bai Run-yin), raised in poverty by his kindly father, Liao Tai-lai (Liu Kuan-Ting), a waiter at a busy banqueting hall.
    Alissa Simon, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Sarah Howlett, a mom of tween twins in Boulder, Colorado Lies that End Up Bringing Lasting Joy Finally, sometimes lies end up being enriching and unexpectedly sweet.
    ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 14 Apr. 2025
  • A bit sweet from sugar, a bit acidic from vinegar, a bit spicy from hot sauce, and rounded out with neutral oil, this homemade vinaigrette recipe is the perfect all-purpose salad dressing.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gracious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gracious. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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