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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sustaining
to hold up or serve as a foundation for several boards braced the wall

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3
as in fortifying
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally she braced herself for the job interview

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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
This was laid out in a bracing April 8 essay in The Washington Post by Amanda Sloat, an academic who has worked on the National Security Council and in the State Department. — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026 Wilder is better known for comedies like Some Like It Hot, but The Lost Weekend is a bracing look at alcoholism that also won best picture and best actor for Ray Milland. — Jordan Hoffman, Vanity Fair, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
Workers who get insurance through their employers are bracing for hikes, too. — Rachel Cohen Booth, Vox, 30 Oct. 2026 Florida is already bracing for heavy amounts of rain in areas that don't normally experience huge downpours. — Ava Berger, NPR, 29 Oct. 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
  • Make a refreshing mocktail with a sprig of rosemary plus equal parts unsweetened cranberry juice and club soda or sparkling water.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 2 Nov. 2026
  • There’s something really cool and really refreshing about that.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of refreshing
Verb
  • This potentially removes the need to add a separate immune-stimulating ingredient to the vaccine.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
  • But protecting existing fibers and stimulating new protein production are not the same as rebuilding a functional elastic network.
    — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of stimulating
Verb
  • Kelsey Peterson is a writer, dancer, and podcaster in Wisconsin who uses a wheelchair since sustaining a spinal cord injury in 2012 that left her paralyzed her from her chest down.
    — Maribeth Romslo, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
  • But the biggest talk of Missouri’s offense was Ahmad Hardy’s season debut after sustaining a gunshot wound in May.
    — PJ Green November 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of sustaining
Verb
  • Tensions between North and South Korea have risen since Pyongyang began fortifying its border in April 2024.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Tensions between North and South Korea have risen since Pyongyang began fortifying its ‌border ⁠in April 2024.
    — Reuters, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of fortifying
Adjective
  • She has been assigned to a restorative justice drug court and consulted on police misconduct cases.
    — Times staff, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • More retreat than resort, the 17-room lodge leans into its eco-conscious cred, maximizing the natural beauty of the surroundings and bringing those elements indoors to create a fully restorative experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of restorative
Verb
  • Add the cardamom and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb is completely broken down and the jam has thickened, about 25 minutes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Gradually pour in 3½ cups buttermilk, then melted butter, stirring constantly until combined.
    — Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of stirring
Verb
  • Any legislators carrying such a bill would need to convince their colleagues in multiple parts of the state where Hollywood has less sway of the wisdom of such a move.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Firearms cannot be brought into polling places located inside private property that forbids them, a school, a courthouse or any other location where Pennsylvania law prohibits carrying firearms.
    — Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of carrying
Verb
  • The Rapid Repair Bond Builder+ Collection helps repair damage from heat, color and styling, strengthening strands from the inside out for healthier, shinier hair.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Weber's campaign has emphasized strengthening election security, protecting voting rights and maintaining access to voting.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of strengthening

Browse Nearby Words

braces
bracing
bracket
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Cite this Entry

“Bracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bracing. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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