grace
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for grace, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Smooth, elegant movement or manner.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use grace
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French grace, from Latin gratia, "favor" or "charm", related to gratus, "pleasing" — the same root as "grateful" and "gratitude".
Full origin of grace →Frequently asked questions
What does “grace” mean?
The word “grace” means smooth, elegant movement or manner. In plain terms, elegant movement, a thank-you prayer, an extension before a deadline, or unearned kindness/favor.
How do you pronounce “grace”?
“Grace” is pronounced grays (/ɡɹeɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “grace” in a sentence?
Here is “grace” used in a sentence: “The dancer moved across the stage with remarkable grace.”
What is another word for “grace”?
Words with a similar meaning to “grace” include mense.
What part of speech is “grace”?
Depending on how it is used, “grace” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “grace” come from?
The word “grace” comes from Latin. From Old French grace, from Latin gratia, "favor" or "charm", related to gratus, "pleasing" — the same root as "grateful" and "gratitude".
Is “grace” a common word?
“Grace” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “grace” have?
“Grace” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: smooth, elegant movement or manner.
What is the difference between grace and elegance?
The two overlap and are often used together. Grace refers mainly to smooth, flowing, effortless movement — the way someone moves through space. Elegance is broader, describing refined, tasteful style in movement, dress, or design. A dancer can move with grace; their whole look and manner can be described as elegant.
Can grace be learned or taught?
Yes. While some people seem naturally graceful, poise and smooth movement can be developed through practice. Disciplines such as dance, ballet, yoga, martial arts, and posture training all cultivate balance, control, and fluid motion. Over time, awkward or stiff movement can become noticeably more relaxed, coordinated, and elegant.
Is grace a positive word?
Very much so. In the sense of movement and manner, grace is entirely complimentary, suggesting beauty, ease, and control. Describing someone as graceful is high praise. The word also carries positive meanings elsewhere — kindness, forgiveness, and a short prayer before a meal — but the shared thread is something admirable and dignified.