saving grace

noun

: a redeeming quality or factor

Examples of saving grace in a Sentence

It's expensive, but the machine's saving grace is its ease of operation. One of her saving graces is a good sense of humor.
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.
The power play, the Wild’s saving grace in their first few games, is now in an 0-for-11 funk (The Devils have killed off 21 straight power plays). Joe Smith, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025 The saving grace is Nobody's excellent ensemble cast, which elevates the predictable material into a breezy and pleasant — if not particularly memorable — viewing experience. Kristen Baldwin, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025 His ability to adapt to just about any situation is a saving grace for the Panthers and just might be an integral if not underrated part of them being able to weather through so many injuries this season. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025 International audiences might be the saving grace. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for saving grace

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of saving grace was in 1798

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Cite this Entry

“Saving grace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saving%20grace. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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