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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of brace
Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Part scarf, part pillow, the fleece is nice and soft and warm, while the internal brace gives you a place to rest your head.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025
With many of the world’s recreational boats and yachts made in Europe, and most of the biggest buyers in the U.S., industry experts are bracing for the fallout from President Donald Trump’s Monday tariff announcement.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for brace
Noun
Stanway wore a protective brace to stabilise the knee for six weeks, four of which were spent hopping around on crutches.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Part scarf, part pillow, the fleece is nice and soft and warm, while the internal brace gives you a place to rest your head.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
Verb
Colorado public housing officials are bracing for even further upheaval at the national level.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025
With many of the world’s recreational boats and yachts made in Europe, and most of the biggest buyers in the U.S., industry experts are bracing for the fallout from President Donald Trump’s Monday tariff announcement.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for brace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brace
Noun
-
The states argue the administration can’t threaten to withhold the more than $1 billion in federal grants from a program created in 1984 to bolster support for crime victims.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
-
President Donald Trump had just spent several hours in meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and seven other leaders from Europe who had come along in a frantic effort to shore up U.S. support for the Ukrainian position.—
Simon Shuster,
Time,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The tacos are served as a pair for $5.49 at participating restaurants.—
Helena Wegner,
Miami Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
-
The pair ended up winning a pilot program for one free bus route per borough in 2023—a modest but tangible victory that became a key part of Mamdani’s mayoral campaign.—
Mark Chiusano,
Time,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Typically, a sluggish economy leads to low inflation, allowing the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates to stimulate more borrowing and activity.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Deadheading helps prevent the formation of seeds and stimulates additional flowering.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
In turn, everyone in the community carries an innate sense of stewardship.—
Chrissy Tracey,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The chain carries outdoor apparel such as athletic shoes, swimwear and active wear for men and women, as well as sports equipment, hunting tools and camping furniture.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
These five startups represent a growing movement to fortify human and ecological systems against climate volatility.—
Marianne Lehnis,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Many brands fortify soy milk with additional vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and B12, to boost its nutritional value.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The reinforcements are much-needed for a Pride side that has been unable to rely strongly on its bench options early in the season.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Aug. 2025
-
But when left back Sam Vines and rookie Alex Harris (who has played less than 10 MLS minutes) are the first offensive reinforcements off the bench, chasing a game becomes much harder.—
Braidon Nourse,
Denver Post,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Guests seemed to enjoy eating as couples or with friends.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The couple split up in 2011 and Michael died of heart failure on Christmas 2016.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Combine the vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
15 Aug. 2025
-
But when temptation stirs and hearts wander, the whole town gets caught up in a swirl of romance, mischief and melody.—
Leia Mendoza,
Variety,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brace. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share