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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 How selfish of Fred Warner, goodness gracious. Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025 That was a constant refrain in the life of this gracious philanthropist from Roslindale. Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025 The boarding felt extra private because the family was able to go on first, the gracious crew that provided pre-departure Champagne, and a general process that felt unhurried and relaxed. Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025 The influencer was gracious about her departure, though. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gracious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gracious
Adjective
  • Deep in the Amish and Mennonite communities of Ohio and Indiana, the dessert menu at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, a hospitable chain of family-style restaurants, features a pecan pie of grand design.
    Pervaiz Shallwani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Vacherot triumphed 6-3, 6-4, to reach his first ATP final at tour level, moving one match away from capping one of the most extraordinary performances of the year, in the part of the season most hospitable to the unexpected.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As the mid-Missouri heat and humidity finally subside, any outdoor activity—from the perfect wine picnic to a Katy Trail hike—is much more pleasant.
    Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • As America’s capital of both wine production and pleasant weather, California has any number of towns that capture this experience, each with distinguishing characteristics that suit different types of travelers.
    Justin Goldman, AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The place being a Midwestern park, the ghost is by all accounts pretty damn polite.
    Graham Averill, Outside, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Hank’s voice is gentle and polite, but that doesn’t put Aaron at ease.
    Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In warm weather that means competitive golf tournaments, friendly tennis clinics, outdoor summer concerts, and a calendar full of signature community events.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Wear them with a simple long-sleeve top or T-shirt for a casual look, or add a blazer and heels for an office-friendly outfit.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With that in mind, his glowing comments on Jeter paid a nice tribute.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • In her opinion, a courthouse wedding or a small ceremony in a family member's backyard would have been just as nice, Kate said.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For a thoughtful gift, package Joanna Gaines’ vanilla sugar with a bag of coffee beans, a cute mug, or a small French press to create a complete coffee kit.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025
  • For families who value that approach, Carruth’s books offer a thoughtful and accessible way to encourage shared reading and meaningful connection.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • He was thrown from the helicopter into a rainforest, became amnesiac, and was nursed back to health by some kindly locals?
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
  • How can a kindly, God-fearing, and ascetic novice monk compete against that?
    Karl Ove Knausgaard, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Fox's nails may have been dipped in blood (red nail polish), but the rest of her look was soft and sweet—a fun contrast against the bloody gown.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Aside from buying beans, my go-to is a cortado with almond milk and — hear me out — quarter-sweet simple syrup.
    Tamia Boyd, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gracious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gracious. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on gracious

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