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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

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 gracious For some science, the discoveries will be limited by whatever the sky is gracious enough to give—a star must explode for the Rubin Observatory to spot a new supernova, for example. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 July 2025 Miss Manners is certain that your heartfelt gratitude, in the form of a gracious and appreciative handwritten letter, will be thanks enough. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 27 June 2025 To their credit, the Heat have been gracious in their credit to the Panthers. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025 The food was unfussy and full-flavored, the service gracious, and the staff — from the spa therapists to the bakers — seemed genuinely happy to be here. Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for gracious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gracious
Adjective
  • Warm and deeply hospitable, with some of the best food in the world and a flourishing art and design scene, the country's capital is a great place to visit any time.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 13 July 2025
  • Most people think of Madison as the Wisconsin city most hospitable to cyclists but the state’s largest city is making strides.
    Jessica Van Egeren, jsonline.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Like, so deeply moral and kind and pleasant and smart.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Like so deeply moral and kind and pleasant and smart.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • The mother is friendly and the son is quiet and polite.
    Rebecca Chace July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • If a client goes quiet, a polite but firm follow-up message outlining next steps can nudge resolution.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Recently sober, Felix has his own complement of bandmates, friends and friendly ex-girlfriends, including three women named Polly — Adèle Exarchopoulos plays the important one — whose history with Felix makes Jess nervous.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
  • Their previous encounter, during Arsenal’s pre-season friendly against United in Los Angeles last summer, ended with Heaven leaving Mount on the grass through a foul from behind.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The units also vary in shape: the cube is nice for nightstands, while the wider grand size works well on large dressers.
    Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.
    Shalwah Evans, People.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The genre as a whole is widely celebrated for its age-appropriate narratives and emotional depth, and the film has long been praised for its thoughtful portrayal of childhood and growing up.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • Fans show up to the Cowboy Carter tour in thoughtful, inventive takes on Western Americana fashion, stadiums filled with denim, bandanas, cowboy hats, and looks that don’t just scream U.S.A but hoot and holler.
    Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • The kindly matriarch wins over Amélie by feeding her white chocolate, and thus a first human connection is made.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 5 July 2025
  • Those with kindly outlooks might believe that people comfy with that kind of damage might not understand its impact.
    Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Fort Collins, this sweet event also includes live music, food and drinks — including, of course, peach cocktails.
    Sarah Kuta, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
  • Both characters experience some amusingly embarrassing scenes as Dan-bi explores her true talent, yet Forbidden Fairytale is ultimately a sweet love story.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gracious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gracious. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on gracious

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