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

Examples 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
While the show nails his glow-up from being a cowardly yakuza to becoming a major player in the Tojo clan, the climax fumbles his fall from grace by devolving his menace and inner turmoil into cartoonish villainy in the show’s finale. Isaiah Colbert, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2024 Each design reflects timeless beauty and modern femininity, empowering women to embrace their confidence and grace on every occasion. Emily Mercer, WWD, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
Since then, numerous political figures have graced the Studio 8H stage, including Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign. David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 This cycle, reality TV stars Amber Rose and Savannah Chrisley graced the stage at the Republican National Convention. Sarah Bedford, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grace 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • And not one but two acts of kindness that hide betrayals, proving that people are not to be trusted.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024
  • At the end of the day, tipping is an act of kindness and appreciation, even if Italian servers may see € signs in their eyes when a table full of Americans arrives.
    Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Years after dazzling in primetime by covering herself in fake blood, Gaga had graced the Oscars stage with utmost elegance, capable of evolving her talents and becoming a stately pop spokeswoman.
    Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Many of her items feature Swarovski crystals, which enhance their elegance and appeal.
    Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Sign up Benefits in innovation and cost AI can be used to slash costs, a clear advantage in a struggling industry.
    Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US, theweek, 15 Nov. 2024
  • After the margin shrunk to a few hundred votes on Election Day, Campos now holds a 2,442-vote advantage after the release of the most recent ballot results.
    Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • One piece with inlaid turquoise chips showed how the ancestors of the O’odham adorned themselves.
    Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The fragrance itself offers a soft, powdery rose scent—think Parisian boudoir adorned in pink velvets, fine fabrics, and aesthetic little cakes.
    AnaMaria Glavan, Allure, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Trump has insisted his tariffs would create jobs at home and emancipate the U.S. from being at the mercy of foreign manufacturing.
    Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Athletes could now profit from their own brands, and the women were no longer merely at the mercy of the N.C.A.A.’s neglect.
    Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • But the ecosystem has started to recover, a testimonial to good management of places whose demand speaks to their majesty.
    Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 9 Sep. 2024
  • Longest The Classic: Paintbrush and Cascade Canyons Loop Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming For Teton grandeur minus climbing ropes, this 19.6-mile loop serves up alpine majesty.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 8 Aug. 2024
Noun
  • The distinction is important because a felony arrest typically entails more rigid follow-up in court and a higher likelihood of jail detention, while a misdemeanor often ends with a citation and release on the spot.
    Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
  • In her time as a public servant, Rep. Lee became the first Black woman elected to the State Senate from Northern California, holding the distinction of the highest-ranking Black woman in Democratic leadership.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The decorating challenge will run as 60- and 30-second broadcast commercials and digitally as 3-4 minute short episodes on Dicks.com, YouTube, streaming and social media.
    Carole Horst, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Peach cobbler lipstick shades (with blush to match), bumped ginger bobs, and decorated nail plates are peak autumnal beauty.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 22 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near grace

Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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!