graceful

adjective

grace·​ful ˈgrās-fəl How to pronounce graceful (audio)
Synonyms of graceful
1
: displaying grace (see grace entry 1 sense 1) in form or action : pleasing or attractive in line, proportion, or movement
a graceful dancer
the graceful neck of a swan
2
: exhibiting control, good manners, or kindness
As his empire crumbled amid the … scandal, he defiantly refused a graceful exit.—Jonathan Alter et al.
gracefully
ˈgrās-fə-lē How to pronounce graceful (audio)
adverb
gracefulness noun

Synonyms of graceful

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Examples of graceful in a Sentence

He has become a very graceful dancer. the graceful movements of a ballerina She was a graceful young woman with delicate features. the long, graceful neck of a swan His writing is clear and graceful. There was no graceful way to say no to their offer.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Yet 20 minutes later, it was long forgotten during a graceful balance beam routine that brought her to within striking distance of the lead. — CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 In the morning, travelers will awake among the graceful canals and bridges of Venice, with a private water taxi to ferry them into the heart of the Venetian lagoon to explore the city’s many islands. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Aug. 2026 In the wild, the end is less graceful, as ocean predators eat many. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 Daylilies are beloved in the garden thanks to their vibrant blooms, graceful, grass-like foliage, and dependable, low-maintenance nature. — The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for graceful

Word History

Etymology

see grace entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of graceful was in the 15th century

Rhymes for graceful

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Browse Nearby Words

grace cup
graceful
graceful kelp crab
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Cite this Entry

“Graceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graceful. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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