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.

Meera Syal, now Dame Meera, was part of the team that created sketch show Goodness Gracious Me, which explored British Asian culture, and played the grandmother in The Kumars at No. 42.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

As a partner in Gracious Hospitality Management and its executive director of beverage, Victoria James oversees five restaurants internationally, including New York’s Coqodaq and Michelin-starred Cote, with three more to come in the next year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

For sale: Gracious family home built in 1905 on one acre in Lanett, Alabama.

From Washington Times • Feb. 16, 2023

White picket fences lined equestrian trails snaking through the Orange County city, whose motto is the “Land of Gracious Living.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2022

"Gracious, my lady," she says again, but her voice quivers.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

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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