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

The gallery will also include Urgessa’s 2025 painting Fiber of grace (Schutz) 2 in its booth at Frieze Seoul next month. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Every new challenge is an exciting opportunity to extend oneself or someone else a bit of grace. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026

Verb

Adam gets off on being asphyxiated, while Ingeborg has hypersensitive fingertips to the extent of them effectively being her erogenous zone; gracing her hands against the fabric that’s wrapped her lover during his orgasm seems to set off her own. — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026 Debbie Reynolds graced Rugrats with her presence for two years, voicing Grandpa Lou’s second wife, Lulu, from 2000 to 2002. — Madeline Boardman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grace

Noun

Jorge will be remembered for his quiet strength, kindness and unwavering devotion to his family.

— Avi Creditor, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Jessica Meyer, clinical manager of the clinic, said she was already struck by Martewicz’s kindness.

— Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

Tassel accents make a great outfit anchor; what once adorned the home brings elegance and opulence to your wardrobe.

— Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Nine-foot ceilings enhance the feeling of spaciousness on the first floor while hardwood flooring, used throughout much of the home, and impressive millwork that includes crown molding and chair rails, adds elegance.

— James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of elegance

Noun

Sunday was their highest-scoring opening frame of the season, and their 29-15 lead was their best opening advantage since a 25-10 lead against the Sparks on June 15.

— Marisa Ingemi, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
When jobs change quickly, the ability to learn, adjust, and respond gives you an advantage.

— Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of advantage

Verb

Nineteenth century Belgian crystal chandeliers and colorful glass lanterns adorn the sanctuary.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
While this loss leaves a silence that words can never fill, farewell messages adorned a growing memorial for both Mikey and Millie, where tributes of light were offered to them.

— Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of adorn

Noun

The Hitlerite hordes are murdering and outraging the peaceful inhabitants of our country, having no mercy on women, children or old people.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Daemon, on Ceraxes, tracks down his daughter on Sheepstealer and pleads with her again to remain hidden or avail herself of Rhaenyra’s mercy.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of mercy

Noun

Every lady was happy to oblige and it cannot be overstated how much this detail adds to the whole show’s majesty.

— Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
This spectacular new image from the James Webb Space Telescope showcases the brilliant majesty of the Carina Nebula, a giant cloud of dust and gas found 7,500 light-years away in the constellation Carina.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of majesty

Verb

It is decorated more like a living room than a conventional sports facility, with a warm palette, rich leathers, and cozy rugs.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2026
The couple’s friend Adrienne Finch officiated at an altar decorated with a mix of orchids, hydrangeas, and stems.

— Shelby Wax, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of decorate

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“Grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grace. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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noun

verb

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More from Merriam-Webster on grace

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