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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

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Transit agencies are bracing for 10 million to 15 million spectators and a million extra Metro transit trips. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026 That kind of bracing communal experience is exactly why people attend the Fringe, an event that launched, in 1947, as a thumb in the eye of a mainstream arts festival in the city. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 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 rest of the women have pretty much accepted Vicki’s temperament by now and mostly operate around her, enjoying the refreshing Miami energy after the bumpiness of the previous parties.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • These six refreshing options present Sonoma County in a different light, showcasing both nature and culture.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of refreshing
Verb
  • The Fed’s main tool — its key interest rate — functions on the demand side, either by cooling or stimulating the US economy, depending on whether officials want to address high inflation or high unemployment.
    — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Wearing a pair of compression socks will not only ward off any temptation to clip or file your nails mid-flight, but the socks will also relieve tension by stimulating circulation in your legs and feet to reduce swelling in the air.
    — Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of stimulating
Verb
  • The Aggies' leading tackler, Harrison Taggart, was taken off in an ambulance in the first half after sustaining what appeared to be a head injury.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Two adults were injured, and 16 children were hurt, with one child sustaining serious injuries and being airlifted from the crash to Birmingham, Ala.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of sustaining
Verb
  • Organizations that invest in trust, well-being, continuous learning and upskilling will be best positioned to attract and retain talent while fortifying business performance.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • On Monday, Kiffin said LSU would consider fortifying his team’s defensive tackle depth with another player.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of fortifying
Adjective
  • The long reach Optogenetic stimulation of the Sst-Chodl cells in the visual cortex drove delta power—the slowest, highest-amplitude brain waves measured during deep, restorative sleep—up across every layer.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026
  • New yellows move between musky and citrusy, while additions to the cooler end of the spectrum include restorative greens, meditative blues and purples ranging from dusky to glamorous.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of restorative
Verb
  • In a team meeting on the eve of their stirring 28-20 victory over the Cowboys, the Giants gave Jack Harbaugh their full attention and respect.
    — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Increase heat to high and cook, stirring often, until meat is cooked through and no longer pink and zucchini is tender, 6–8 minutes.
    — Caroline Chambers, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of stirring
Verb
  • Authorities didn't comment on the drone's origin or purpose, saying further investigation was needed, but two senior officials said the device was likely carrying explosives.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Since the raid, many have returned to work at US battery plants doing similar jobs, often on the same visas, while carrying the fear of being swept up again by immigration agents, the workers told CNN.
    — Hanna Park, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of carrying
Verb
  • Crews continued mopping up the fire Monday, strengthening containment lines and extinguishing hot spots at least 300 feet inside the perimeter.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Spain’s Secuoya Studios has tapped Carla Gómez as head of development and executive producer for Latin America, strengthening its creative and production operations in the region.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 21 Sep. 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 22 Sep. 2026.

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