graceful

adjective

grace·​ful ˈgrās-fəl How to pronounce graceful (audio)
Synonyms of graceful
1
: displaying grace (see grace entry 1 sense 1) in form or action : pleasing or attractive in line, proportion, or movement
a graceful dancer
the graceful neck of a swan
2
: exhibiting control, good manners, or kindness
As his empire crumbled amid the … scandal, he defiantly refused a graceful exit.—Jonathan Alter et al.
gracefully
ˈgrās-fə-lē How to pronounce graceful (audio)
adverb
gracefulness noun

Synonyms of graceful

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Examples of graceful in a Sentence

He has become a very graceful dancer. the graceful movements of a ballerina She was a graceful young woman with delicate features. the long, graceful neck of a swan His writing is clear and graceful. There was no graceful way to say no to their offer.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As with many of the academic cases, there are often no permanent consequences for Pretendians; they are either allowed to continue teaching or granted a graceful retirement. — Tommy Orange, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 The driveway, lined with perennial beds, has a graceful curve on its way to a large circle that allows guests to park near the walkway to the front porch. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026 The country is mired in a war with Iran with no graceful exit opportunities; a new round of tariffs threatens to further disrupt fragile global trade relations; and the domestic economy faces inflation combined with paltry growth. — Zachary Karabell, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2026 For anyone building toward a finer piece, a moissanite tennis necklace offers a graceful starting point. — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for graceful

Word History

Etymology

see grace entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of graceful was in the 15th century

Rhymes for graceful

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Browse Nearby Words

grace cup
graceful
graceful kelp crab
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Cite this Entry

“Graceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graceful. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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