GRACE Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

grace 1 of 2

noun

ˈgrās

Definition of grace

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

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as in elegance

dignified or restrained beauty of form, appearance, or style a beautiful actress who was the epitome of grace during her too-brief career

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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

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grace

2 of 2

verb

as in to adorn

to make more attractive by adding something that is beautiful or becoming I hope that you will grace our gathering with your presence

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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

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 grace

Noun

Although his roles were ostensibly romantic leads, Astaire had an almost radically unorthodox appeal—one that, in its urbanity, cosmopolitanism, elegance, and grace, challenged the prevailing standards for male movie stardom. — David Hajdu, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026 Similarly, when the Denver show happened, of course people were initially upset, but the main response was my fans giving me grace. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2026

Verb

Orange graces the sneaker almost entirely uninterrupted through the upper to the translucent midsole, but blue is used for the tongue’s Kobe Sheath logo and the heel Swoosh. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Below, we’pair some of the best scary movies to ever grace the silver screen with their spiritual counterpart on bookshelves today. — Rebekah Faubion, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace

Noun

Patience and kindness can go a long way, Henderson says, and Seshadri reminds everyone to extend that respect to the airport staff and your fellow passengers.

— Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Be patient when a grocery store cashier with disabilities rings up your items — kindness can go a long way.

— John Gill, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

Beautiful cemeteries can captivate with their artistic and architectural elegance, entice with lessons in local history, and tantalize the senses with botanical delights.

— Mitchell Gilburne, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 2026
The Napoleonic Wars raged across continental Europe, but that did not stop society life from carrying on in all its dazzling elegance.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of elegance

Noun

Though 57% of voters say the Democratic Party does not have a clear vision for the future, Republicans hold no advantage in this category either, according to a CBS News poll released on Sunday.

— Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026
Joe Burrow gives the Bengals the quarterback advantage, and the extra preparation strengthens their case.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of advantage

Verb

Hiding his Caesar cut under his signature New York Yankees cap and adorned with a glittery stack of gold chains, JAY-Z kept his setlist as tight as his concert attire of bulletproof vests.

— Adelle Platon, VIBE.com, 24 Oct. 2026
For the closing set, according to a photo posted on X and various videos, the legendary rocker was lifted onto the stage while seated on a black throne adorned with skulls and topped with a black bat.

— Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of adorn

Noun

Thankfully, the lunar disk will set a few hours after midnight, leaving a window of beautifully dark sky before dawn in which to enjoy the full majesty of the annual meteor shower.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2026
The best O’Hara acolytes are the ones who encourage us to see the beauty in the world, attuned to torsos on a New York Street or the majesty of making eggs for a loved one.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of majesty

Noun

That distinction shows both the opportunity for American technology and the limits imposed by remaining dependencies.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
The city institution, which artistic director Robert Drake describes as Georgia's longest-running theater, also holds the distinction of being the first professional theater to integrate both its casts and audience in the southeastern United States.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinction

Verb

After the last one is opened, use the set to bake cookies for Santa and decorate them on Christmas Eve, then take the extras along to your holiday gathering.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026
Rooms There are 93 rooms and suites—including two penthouses—decorated with plenty of personality.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of decorate

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“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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