bracing 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbrā-siŋ How to pronounce bracing (audio)
Definition of bracingnext
as in refreshing
having a renewing effect on the state of the body or mind a chilly but bracing day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bracing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of brace
1
as in stimulating
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
as in sustaining
to hold up or serve as a foundation for several boards braced the wall

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in fortifying
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 bracing
Adjective
Jordan Peele’s first feature, a runaway smash that won him an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, functions as both a Twilight Zone-like B-picture and a bracing satire about race, class, and delusion. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026 Writer/director Hammer, though, downplays the melodrama inherent to this scenario, even while shooting sequences, whether in Martin and Leslie’s apartment or in various hospitals, with a bracing handheld intimacy. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
And this morning, Americans are now bracing for an all-out trade war with one of our closest allies and also our neighbor to the north. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 In the chamber, Hood extends one shaking hand over Silvia, his other hand lightly bracing Silvia’s leg as the three drugs are being administered in sequence. — Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bracing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
  1. refreshing
  2. stimulating
  3. sustaining
  4. fortifying
  5. restorative
  6. stirring
  7. carrying
  8. strengthening
Adjective
  • The 849 Testarossa offers a refreshing design that is just as strong, if not even more intriguing, in its open-air configuration.
    — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
  • That both cooled the tea to a refreshing drinking temperature and diluted it for a proper taste.
    — Matthew Koss, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of refreshing
Verb
  • Later in life, tretinoin is equally sought after for its ability to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration by stimulating skin-cell turnover.
    — Kelsey Stewart, Allure, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Learning new skills, playing word games and having stimulating hobbies like reading or puzzles keeps the mind sharp.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of stimulating
Verb
  • Still, the Sky have not earned a reputation for sustaining a system from year to year — and the status of the remaining roster does not lend itself to a building process for the Sky.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Trey Moore, who had emerged as a front-runner to start at linebacker for the Dolphins, will be out awhile after sustaining an ankle injury during Saturday’s 26-3 preseason loss to the Giants.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of sustaining
Verb
  • Residents were busy fortifying their properties ahead of the peak of the weather event, as city officials positioned crews early to begin working on lining the shore with berms.
    — Lesley Marin, CBS News, 30 July 2026
  • Paramount now must strengthen its case for a high-stakes trial while fortifying Paramount’s existing businesses and managing uncertainty among the employee base.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of fortifying
Adjective
  • There’s no unwinding in the serene nature and crisp German air of Baden-Baden, the historic town long associated with restorative living, and that seamless discretion is entirely the point.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Sleep is when the brain consolidates memory, recalibrates stress and immune signaling and supports other restorative processes.
    — Renée Onque, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of restorative
Verb
  • Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring after each, until warmed through.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In a candid Instagram video published Saturday, the Bay Area librarian and social media star updated his social media supporters about his condition, days after stirring concern online and announcing his plans to seek treatment at a hospital.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of stirring
Verb
  • Today, many of those same routes have found a second life, carrying travelers through some of the West’s most spectacular scenery while offering a glimpse into Colorado’s storied past.
    — Jocelyn Rowley, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Guidance includes carrying ample water and supplies, checking road and weather conditions in advance and taking an alternative means of communication, such as a satellite communicator or emergency beacon.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of carrying
Verb
  • There is a possibility that the strengthening El Niño weather event creates a mild early winter in northeast Asia which reduces demand, Drinkwater said.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • On stage, Semafor will convene leaders from across these sectors to explore practical strategies for strengthening resilience, supporting families and educators, improving digital literacy, and expanding access to mental health resources.
    — Semafor Events, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of strengthening

Browse Nearby Words

braces
bracing
bracket
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bracing. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of kith

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 28

Why do we say 'break a leg'?
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All