1
as in support
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else
wore a brace for the injured knee
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in pair
two things of the same or similar kind that match or are considered together
bagged a brace of pheasants
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to stimulate
to give life, vigor, or spirit to
the pep talk braced the team up for the second half
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to fortify
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
she braced herself for the job interview
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of brace
Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 4 Jan. 2026
The funding comes at an uncertain time for many clinics and hospitals as they brace for major health care shakeups in the coming years.
—Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026
Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
To engage your core, think about bracing your abdominal muscles to absorb a punch to the stomach.
—Jenessa Connor, Health, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brace
Noun
Millions of children live with scoliosis, but not every child will wear a back brace or undergo surgery.
—Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 4 Jan. 2026
The funding comes at an uncertain time for many clinics and hospitals as they brace for major health care shakeups in the coming years.
—Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026
Verb
As stars visibly braced themselves for their moment under her spotlight, Glaser’s 10-minute opening monologue was full of snappy, self-aware jokes that gently skewered every part of Hollywood, from its celebrities and movies to its media companies and obsession with staying young.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
To engage your core, think about bracing your abdominal muscles to absorb a punch to the stomach.
—Jenessa Connor, Health, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brace
Noun
-
The gentle support helps keep legs from feeling heavy after hours of sitting, walking, and moving between destinations.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
-
The organization was founded to break the stigma around mental health and create a space for support, conversation, and creative expression.—
Nicole Nielsen,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The head of the Federal Transit Administration is coming to Charlotte after the city’s transit system spent much of 2025 in the spotlight for a pair of violent incidents.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Using music for change, a pair of winners gives children a voice through songwriting.—
Sharon Chin,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Rather than activating the olfactory nerve, the system stimulates the trigeminal nerve, a sensory pathway in the nasal cavity responsible for conveying touch, temperature, and irritation.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 Jan. 2026
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These channels are tuned to trigger a voltage spike and tell the trap to close only if stimulated multiple times in rapid succession.—
Elise Cutts,
Quanta Magazine,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Three agents are then seen carrying the man away from the scene by his arms and one of his legs.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Art carries wellness benefits, as well.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Overall, though, New Jersey didn’t land enough difference-makers to fortify the club’s supporting cast.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Foods like yogurt and kefir offer gut-friendly probiotics, and milk is often fortified with vitamin D.—
Anthea Levi,
Health,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The Bucs hope that switching up the coaching staff, adding more reinforcements through free agency and most importantly, keeping the main leader in place, could bode well for 2026.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
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Training begins in a simulated environment using reinforcement learning, where the robot improves by trial and error.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The couple was awarded citizenship in a private ceremony in the capital of Conakry on Friday.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Chelsea Vaughn Photography The couple moved into Brian's home and started their lives together.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Add garlic and panko and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, 3-5 minutes.—
Laura Mclively,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
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Add Cajun seasoning, garlic, salt, and thyme; cook, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 minute.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brace. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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