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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 Its three-stateroom design lets owners and guests can enjoy weekend cruising, while the exterior promotes gracious outdoor living in the large beach-club area, or up on the sport bridge. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 28 May 2025 Ohio State fans were actually gracious in honoring him before the game. David Ubben, New York Times, 22 May 2025 But Bill Fox fans are a kind of a tribe, and Hagan was as gracious as could be. Nate Rogers, Vulture, 22 May 2025 There’s a reason this place gets hundreds of five-star reviews: The futuristic facilities are sleek and spotless, the staff is gracious and well-informed, and the experience of floating your cares away is instantly addictive. David Hochman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for gracious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gracious
Adjective
  • This wasn’t a neighborhood that seemed hospitable to strangers.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
  • The citizens are famously hospitable and love to meet visitors.
    Terry Elward, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Comedy is also having a moment because of people are looking for a pleasant escape given the political nightmare currently gripping this nation.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • This modern adaptation of a traditional country farmhouse features a welcoming front porch, which has ample room for two or three people to sit and relax on a pleasant day.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Showing empathy and being polite, even in frustrating situations, can help de-escalate potential conflicts.
    Milad Haghani, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
  • Dishes are refined but never polite, taking all the risks Cornerstone didn’t have the backing to take.
    Lela London, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • The family friendly festival from noon to 6:30 p.m. will feature bands performing Americana, rock, hip hop, blues and folk.
    Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
  • During public remarks in 2022, Justice Elena Kagan – one of the court’s three liberal justices − spoke out against sweeping injunctions and the ability of challengers to find one friendly judge to issue such an order.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • That this wrap-up happens on the stoop of an apartment building provides a nice callback to Past Lives.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
  • Reyes was a nice spring training story, but the Yankees were fooled by meaningless February and March stats.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Feels is the brainchild of Allie Hoffman, who came up with the idea for a more thoughtful IRL dating event while pursuing her master’s degree from the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University.
    Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • These practices can generate thoughtful and detailed commentary.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • The kindly people on the other end had probably not yet been born when I was raped.
    Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
  • Eventually, Billy tries to warn the foster care headquarters, managed by a kindly woman named Wendy (Sally-Anne Upton), that Laura is trying to sabotage Billy.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • While most people may feel unlucky on Friday the 13th, Krispy Kreme is hoping to make its customers feel lucky with a sweet promotion.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 13 June 2025
  • This Recipe The catch: The sweet months-old baby of last summer who couldn’t walk or talk was now a fully functioning, less-than-demure toddler.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gracious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gracious. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on gracious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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