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 The gracious Saldaña gave a shout-out to her fellow Globe nominees in the Best Supporting Actress category during her acceptance speech. —

Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2025 The outward-facing woman was self-effacing and gracious and vivacious, a compassionate listener. —

Rachel Aviv, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 Your guests will likely be too gracious and too full of delicious things to even notice if a rogue dust bunny tried to crash the holiday. —

Barbara Bellesi Zito, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024 In addition to seeing her parents move into the gracious gift, Cooper already has a big year ahead of her. —

Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gracious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gracious

Adjective

In an even less hospitable part of Utah Territory, an injured horse prompts Isaac to stop for the night, the rest of which is spent getting to know his companions a bit better.

— Keith Phipps, Vulture, 10 Jan. 2025
The weather was relatively hospitable for late December on the future site of the Mall of America.

— Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2025