GRACIOUS Synonyms: 202 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

gracious

adjective

ˈgrā-shəs

Definition of gracious next

as in hospitable

showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations a gracious host who goes out of his way to make every guest feel welcome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in pleasant

having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations a gracious innkeeper whose jokes and laughter made weary travelers feel right at home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in polite

showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners he was a gracious man, habitually offering his seat on the bus to elderly women

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 gracious Be an Aware Guest One of the best ways to become a good host is to always practice being a gracious guest. —

Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2024 All of my mother’s friends were so beautiful, and so... gracious but funky, balls to the wall. —

Liam Hess, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2024 The stately red-brick home’s interior offers such gracious touches as six fireplaces, many with carved surrounds, while doors and walls boast elaborate moldings. —

Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 14 Nov. 2024 Better planning 11 years ago and a gracious British couple’s commitment to helping former American airmen with their sentimental journeys produced a different outcome. —

Si Liberman, Hartford Courant, 11 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gracious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gracious

Adjective

California’s tax incentive program is cited as the main culprit for driving creators outside of the city to more hospitable locations like Georgia and New York, as well as Australia and European locations like London.

Kristen Lopez, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024
With just three tables indoors and two outdoors, there is no place more cozy or hospitable to indulge in manti, Turkey’s beloved dumplings.

Lela London, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024