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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 In a society that often celebrates rebellion, victimhood, and division, cultivating daughters who desire to be young women who embrace being gracious, thoughtful, empathetic, and genuine can be a task. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025 Still, Pitino was gracious afterward, mentioning former legendary coach Lou Carnesecca, who died in December at 99 years old, as well as ex-St. John’s stars such as John Warren, Joe DePre, Chris Mullin, Mark Jackson and Walter Berry. Tim Casey, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 Celebrity Cruise Lines Stylishly designed and led by friendly, gracious crew members, Celebrity’s ships range in size—though even the larger ships have an intimate feel. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025 The Mallard Lounge epitomizes the après-ski tradition, providing a gracious transition from active days to relaxed evenings. Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gracious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gracious
Adjective
  • Furthermore, a focused approach to marketing Elgin as a hospitable destination for investment could yield substantial long-term benefits.
    Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Planting a pollinator garden with milkweed (the only plant the butterflies will lay eggs on) and nectar-producing plants (for eating) can provide a hospitable habitat for migrating monarchs.
    Jessica Boehm, Axios, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Some images are pleasant, while others are painful and heart-wrenching to produce.
    The Pham, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Exploring ancient hot spots like Delphi, ancient Epidaurus, and Olympia on foot is much more pleasant in spring temperatures averaging from the 60s to the high 70s.
    Helen Iatrou, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Though he was disappointed by the loss, Page didn't demonstrate any further wrestling tactics on Seacrest and ended the show with a polite handshake.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • His boss and co-worker remember him as quiet, polite and professional.
    James Bandler, ProPublica, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Baseball’s celebration of that day often obscures the fact that MLB hasn’t been African American friendly in decades.
    Terence Moore, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Vermont's politics and demographics are also more friendly to Sanders' views than other battleground districts in the Trump era.
    Stephen Fowler, NPR, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In this chicken noodle casserole, the pasta is perfectly cooked and creamy, with bits of chicken adding a nice bite and different texture.
    Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The physical edition even includes a full-color manual like the good old days, which is a nice touch.
    David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The pair both showed up to their second date on the beach with thoughtful gifts and eventually shared their first kiss before Tyler met Madison's family.
    Glamour, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This is a complex matter requiring thoughtful consideration and a long-term perspective.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The cast includes Stephen Merchant as the voice of the mouse, Kristen Wiig as a scenery-chewing evil aunt, and Jim Broadbent as a kindly but clueless king.
    EW.com, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024
  • In his fourth feature, director Hsiao Ya-Chuan follows the unsentimental education of a motherless 11-year-old boy, Liao Jie (Bai Run-yin), raised in poverty by his kindly father, Liao Tai-lai (Liu Kuan-Ting), a waiter at a busy banqueting hall.
    Alissa Simon, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • There are plucky steamed chive dumplings with translucent skin, meatball-like shumai teeming with pork, chicken or shrimp, green tea sesame balls (each $1.50 apiece) with Wicked-green dough surrounding sweet black paste.
    Benjy Egel, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Perhaps serendipitously, the top-selling scent Nana, infused with the sweet snack persimmon, is based on the woman herself.
    Gemma A. Williams, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gracious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gracious. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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