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

Even with giving grace for a leg issue, Dobbins hasn’t looked like himself. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026 But with the Heat back at work, including Thursday night’s exhibition against the New Orleans Pelicans at Kaseya Center, Spoelstra said a degree of grace also is warranted. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

Verb

Floor-to-ceiling windows grace both the city and river-view rooms, all replete with white oak fixtures and a stylish mid-century modern look. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro earbuds launched earlier this year, as the latest high-end pair to grace your eardrums. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace

Noun

For Caron, the interaction was especially meaningful because her son is not always met with the same kindness.

— Logan Hall, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Tonight’s lesson is on truthfulness and embodying loving kindness.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

Flashbacks of sartorial elegance from the 1890s are unmistakable here, but the luxe, boutique property is also down-to-earth and comfortable.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
The look was also reminiscent of the understated elegance of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Conor’s late aunt by marriage.

— Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of elegance

Noun

Ohio polling raises questions Advertisement As polling consistently shows an advantage for Acton, Republicans are increasingly arguing that the polls may be wrong by just enough to give Ramaswamy the win.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
Firms that know exactly where the line sits hold quiet advantages their competitors cannot purchase or replicate.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of advantage

Verb

Pieces of fish are hand sliced to the ideal thickness and length, and beautifully adorned with garnishes that dazzle the eye and strategically heighten every bite.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Designed by Mouawad, the extravagant set included a bra, thong, garter, bracelet, and hair clip adorned with nearly 9,000 diamonds and colorful gemstones, taking over 880 hours to create.

— Amanda Le, InStyle, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of adorn

Noun

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
To walk deep into the mountain forests at the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains, is to encounter the fragrant majesty of century-old ponderosa pine trees famous for lining ski slopes, National Park trails and residential neighborhoods.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of majesty

Noun

This distinction is especially important for companies whose supply chains involve multiple countries, with raw materials, components, and finished goods crossing borders at different stages.

— Shannon Hynds, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Advertisement Yet experts say the distinction between the two systems is not always clear, particularly given how closely their underlying technology and operations are connected.

— Tiago Ventura, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinction

Verb

Kitted out like a beachhouse, the exhibition stand is decorated with the show’s classic red life preservers, surfboards and even a lifeguard’s hut on the patio.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
On the day of the scavenger hunt, the team hides its creations around town, while ravenous worm-hunters eagerly await their first hint of where a ceramic worm decorated to look like a pickle, or a crayon, or a rainbow dinosaur, can be found.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of decorate

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“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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verb

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More from Merriam-Webster on grace

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