Definitions

gracious

[grey-shuhs] / ˈgreɪ ʃəs /

ADJECTIVE

kind, giving

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accommodating affable amiable approachable compassionate congenial considerate cordial courteous courtly friendly genial good-natured hospitable loving polite sociable well-mannered

WEAK

amicable beneficent benevolent benign benignant big-hearted bland bonhomous charitable chivalrous civil complaisant easy forthcoming gallant good-hearted indulgent lenient merciful mild obliging pleasing stately suave tender unctuous urbane

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aloof cold cool disagreeable discourteous disrespectful hateful impolite incompatible indifferent irritable mean rude surly uncivil uncongenial unfriendly unmannerly unrefined unsociable

WEAK

nasty sarcastic severe ungiving ungracious unkind vulgar

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mr. Powell was gracious toward Mr. Warsh in his press conference on Wednesday, though it was surprising to hear he hadn’t met with his successor since a dinner in January.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Palmer worked for Seymour at the time and saw his “regular guy” boss give “one of the kindest and most gracious concession speeches I’ve ever heard.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

"We thought 'oh gracious, we're responsible for that'," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“Markets aren’t typically so gracious as to offer multiple opportunities, which is why we have encouraged investors to be early,” he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Our host family was so gracious; they tried really hard to help, caring for us generously when they had little room in their home.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana

Vocabulary lists containing gracious

Be Nice!

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More Positive Words to Describe a Person

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The Emancipation Proclamation (1862)

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