Search Dictionary
Definition of gracious

gracious

/ˈɡreɪ.ʃəs/
gra · cious
Adverb:graciously
JUMP TO:

gracious Lexical Profile

gracious Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Courteous, kind, and pleasant, especially toward someone of lower social status or in a difficult situation.

Example

"She was a gracious host who made every guest feel welcome and comfortable."

2

Showing elegance, comfort, beauty, and good taste indicative of high social status or refinement.

Example

"The magazine featured photographs of gracious historic homes surrounded by manicured gardens."

3

Merciful, compassionate, and benevolent, especially in a religious context referring to God or a monarch.

Example

"The congregation offered prayers of thanks to a gracious and forgiving Creator."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gracious
Antonyms
View all antonyms for gracious

• interjection

1

Used to express mild surprise, shock, or alarm.

Example

"Gracious, I had no idea it had gotten so late!"

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gracious

• Rhymes for gracious

• Nearby Words

gracelessness
graces high
graces high falls
gracious
graciously
graciousness
grackle

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French gracieux, from Latin gratiosus ('enjoying favor, agreeable'), derived from gratia ('favor, esteem, goodwill').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gracious. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gracious
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.