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
Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Amid the nods to social media and cancel culture and the shallow perils of modern celebrity, the image of Taylor-Joy’s disciplined group of insurgents, who speak in almost archaic, poetic dialogue, strikes a bracing contrast.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
Fort Lauderdale now finds itself under the scrutiny of the Florida Department of Government Efficiency, just as the city is bracing for possible passage of a ballot measure in November that would impose statewide property tax cuts.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Adjective
This fortified wine, which gets its complex flavor from a blend of botanicals, adds depth to this cocktail, softening the bracing intensity of the base spirit and making for a delightfully smooth drink.
—Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Amid the nods to social media and cancel culture and the shallow perils of modern celebrity, the image of Taylor-Joy’s disciplined group of insurgents, who speak in almost archaic, poetic dialogue, strikes a bracing contrast.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
Connecticut is bracing for a potential heat wave over a scorching few days expected to bring high humidity, temperatures that will reach the 90s and a heat index that could hit 100.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
Fort Lauderdale now finds itself under the scrutiny of the Florida Department of Government Efficiency, just as the city is bracing for possible passage of a ballot measure in November that would impose statewide property tax cuts.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
Adjective
-
Fruit extracts clarify excess oil and buildup, while a cooling mint complex and menthol deliver a refreshing tingle, leaving your scalp feeling clean, balanced, and freshly reset.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
18 June 2026
-
That stretch represented a refreshing change for a program that had all of four winning seasons in the previous 18.—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Performance benefits often persist even in habitual users, even if the stimulating feel-good buzz fades.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
-
Not only does the brand’s shampoo and conditioner make my hair feel so clean and look so shiny, but both formulas are also jam-packed with strengthening ingredients—avocado oil, olive oil, milk thistle, and growth-stimulating rosemary—that make the combo genuinely feel like a worthwhile luxury.—
Olivia Cigliano,
InStyle,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Investigators determined the victim was Edgar Carlos Garcia, then 39, of Mexico, who died after sustaining fatal injuries during an altercation that took place inside the warehouse.—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
20 June 2026
-
After spending months helping immigrant families weather the economic fallout of federal immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities, Smitten Kitten is asking the community for help sustaining itself.—
Ray Campos,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Supportive leadership includes recognizing the power of place and fortifying it with the tools, trust, and care needed for excellence to grow and thrive.—
Chip Bell,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
It is primarily tasked with repairing and fortifying the city’s more than 210,000 streetlamps — a frequent target of copper wire thieves — and maintaining its network of electrical vehicle charging stations.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
The way to honor that is to make your home itself feel restorative, starting at the front door.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
-
For people who feel overwhelmed, restorative shapes can be especially grounding.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Cook, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes or until the nuts are toasted.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 June 2026
-
Then came the stirring rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner by country music duo Dan + Shay (Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney).—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
The targeting led the Russians to use an alternative route, according to the Ukrainian military, with a large number of trucks carrying military supplies sent further west.—
Gianluca Mezzofiore,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
-
So my whole upbringing was hiding and carrying this huge weight and secret.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
In February, Anthropic contributed $20 million toward an effort to elect congressional candidates who favor strengthening AI safeguards.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
-
After strengthening briefly, the storm is expected to make its way onto land, tracking to the northeast along the coast of Texas into southern Louisiana through Wednesday night, according to the National Hurricane Center.—
Michael Autovino,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bracing. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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