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

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
In Norse mythology, Freya is the goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and war, known for her power and grace. Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2025 His other mix, the Cavalier, is also known for its grace, as well as its large, round eyes, a hallmark for the breed. Rachael O'Connor, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
It’s been eight months since Julia Hart last graced the squared circle on All Elite Wrestling (AEW), having dropped her TBS championship to Willow Nightingale back in April before disappearing from TV to undergo shoulder surgery. Lauren Coates, Variety, 30 Dec. 2024 Among the long roster of DJs to grace the Casba included the late IndyStar photographer Mpozi Mshale Tolbert, whose likeness is depicted in a mural near the Casba that was unveiled just last month. Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grace 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace
Noun
  • Come back to kindness and your anxiety will come down to calm.
    Sandy Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
  • And while the circumstances may have been different with each encounter, nearly everyone sharing their story, remarked on Elvis’ kindness, generosity, and deep appreciation for those who loved and supported his music.
    Pam Windsor, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Erivo’s creation featured an abstract print that embodies casual elegance.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 10 Jan. 2025
  • This British brand’s collection honors wisdom, elegance, adaptability and intelligence, which are attributed to the snake in the Chinese zodiac.
    Ty Gaskins, WWD, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Sensing that this dad was open to being chatted up, Colvin sat next to him and tried to use raw honesty to his advantage.
    Brendan I. Koerner, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025
  • One primary advantage of confidence is that other people do in fact eat it up.
    Rachel Sugar, Vox, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The bathhouse, adorned with intricate mosaics and featuring hot, warm, and cold rooms, resembles a spa-like retreat, and could be the largest thermal complex found yet in a private residence in Pompeii.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The silver piece is adorned with a cross and the iconography of a chapel and is more than 1,000 years old, the museum said in a Jan. 15 Facebook post.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Prosecutors are at the mercy of Judge Aileen Cannon or 11th Circuit Court judges, both of whom have been entertaining arguments over the past week from President-elect Donald Trump and his co-defendants in Florida that the report should stay under wraps.
    Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Each day will open the door to receive God's grace and mercy anew.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 1 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Days 4-5: Yoga and Sound Healing in Agra The colossal majesty of the Taj Mahal is worth a trip in itself.
    Marion Miller, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2024
  • People have been tippling there for more than four hundred years, and the wine list has the heft—and the persuasive majesty—of a Gutenberg Bible.
    Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • With the loss, the Vikings settled for the undesirable distinction of having the most wins for a wild-card team in league history.
    Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
  • That distinction belonged to Josh Allen, who, despite losing his top two receiving targets — including perennial Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs — last offseason, delivered another dominant campaign and led the Buffalo Bills to their latest AFC East crown.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The thermal baths are also connected to a banquet room decorated with elaborate frescoes that was announced last spring.
    Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Pompeii: a dining room decorated with characters and subjects inspired by the Trojan war has emerged from the new excavations BBC News.
    Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near grace

Cite this Entry

“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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