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.

I was really not sure about eating it, but I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was - and how gracious Ronald was too.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

At a series of other events, the gracious and glad-handing presence of the 77-year-old king, who peppered remarks with lighthearted jokes, also kindled a spirit of fellow-feeling among ordinarily divided American politicians.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

“I’m going out there trying to do the same thing every time, and that’s fill the zone and create contact and see what happens,” a gracious Wrobleski said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 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

“Good gracious, Minister, he isn’t trying to rejoin You-Know-Who, is he?”

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling

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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