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
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
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Recent Examples of bracing
Evan Clark, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026
The classic styles run from Sercial, the driest and most bracing, through Verdelho, which sits in the medium-dry range, to Boal (or Bual) for medium-sweet wines, and Malvasia (often labeled Malmsey) at the richest end of the spectrum.
—Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
Anderson, as a team star, was bracing for frequent visits.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Adjective
That proved to be more bracing than encouraging.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026
The classic styles run from Sercial, the driest and most bracing, through Verdelho, which sits in the medium-dry range, to Boal (or Bual) for medium-sweet wines, and Malvasia (often labeled Malmsey) at the richest end of the spectrum.
—Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
Brown called the timeout, the whistle cutting through a tense Madison Square Garden already bracing for a 14-point lead slipping away.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
Anderson, as a team star, was bracing for frequent visits.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
Adjective
-
Nobody minded — in an era of chatty rock stars, there was something refreshing about that.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Yet, at no point are you hit over the head with any of this, and that feels refreshing.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The brand promises results in four weeks—we’re talking reduced fine lines, dullness, and dark circles, along with improved elasticity, thanks to collagen-stimulating regrowth that encourages a more youthful appearance.—
Lauren Pardee,
InStyle,
13 Apr. 2026
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In mice, researchers have already been stimulating mice with ultrasound.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Over Your Dead Body knows that sustaining a harmonious union amid petty jealousies, paranoia, and personal flaws is hard; navigating a hostage situation involving desperate sickos and sociopaths is even harder; and maintaining a balance of laughs and gag-reflex tweaking is the hardest of it all.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The remark conveyed a familiar image of American military power, a projection of being technologically unmatched, logistically dominant and capable of sustaining operations indefinitely.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The serum is formulated with a holy grail powerhouse that consists of a fortifying complex, firming complex, and Matrixyl 3000—all pivotal for minimizing signs of aging.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Analysts noted similar activity occurred before last year’s Operation Midnight Hammer strikes, suggesting a pattern of fortifying critical facilities in anticipation of attacks.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Gardening is a great example of a restorative activity.—
Lesly Gregory,
AJC.com,
23 Apr. 2026
-
That creates a passive cooling effect supporting the core temperature drop your body needs to enter restorative sleep.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When the butter is foamy, add the shallot and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes.—
Kate Williams,
AJC.com,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring often, until blackberries have released their juices, about 5 minutes.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Notably, these shakedown attempts come more than 15 years after Michael’s death, thus carrying no risk of being sued for defamation.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
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Asia-to-Europe or intra-Asia trade lanes often go through the strait, and vessels carrying cargo from other apparel manufacturing countries including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Myanmar are likely using the passage.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Although United want to add two midfielders, doing both at a price point in the £70m-plus region — echoing their three big signings last summer — might be beyond their finances this time round, given the further squad strengthening required.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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Organized by the Malta Film Commission, the festival is set to grow in both scale and ambition this year, with an enlarged program of screenings, industry events and cultural offerings aimed at strengthening Malta’s role as an international filmmaking hub.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bracing. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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