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.

Ultimately the moment belonged to McIlroy, but Rose won plaudits not just for his golf but his gracious sportsmanship, embracing the victor despite the huge disappointment of yet another near miss.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

And though the primary was frequently ugly, Crockett was gracious enough to quickly concede and endorse Talarico.

From Slate • Mar. 7, 2026

Accepting the award, Byrne half-joked, “This character of Linda really could only exist in an independent film — she’s fierce and she’s gracious and she’s a middle-aged woman.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

“The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

I try to be gracious, just as Du Barry has taught me.

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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