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
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024
The differences between what the proofs indicate Goya originally intended and what finally appeared in the bracing first edition, which wasn’t printed until 35 years after his death, can surprise.
—Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024
Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
While details of the scale and scope remain uncertain, immigrant communities are bracing for an impact similar to Los Angeles earlier this summer, when there were large-scale raids on workplaces, and street vendors and day laborers were grabbed by federal agents.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Adjective
The night is cold and restless, but the morning promises coffee and, more bracing still, tough conversation.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024
The differences between what the proofs indicate Goya originally intended and what finally appeared in the bracing first edition, which wasn’t printed until 35 years after his death, can surprise.
—Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024
Verb
Always making sure her boys balanced their royal duties with play, Diana had pre-teens Harry and William bracing themselves for a thrilling – and wet!
—Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
While details of the scale and scope remain uncertain, immigrant communities are bracing for an impact similar to Los Angeles earlier this summer, when there were large-scale raids on workplaces, and street vendors and day laborers were grabbed by federal agents.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
Adjective
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Cooler air will be sweeping in behind this front, as another round of refreshing, fall-like air moves from the Midwest into the Northeast for the second half of the weekend.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Simple jokes, clichés served up as a refreshing alcohol-free aperitif to prolong meetings without really getting to work.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In this sense, homes offer a more private and personal environment, which can be comfortable and creatively stimulating.—
Megan Williams,
CNN Money,
4 Sep. 2025
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There has been some evidence that stimulating the nervous system in certain ways could make this recovery go faster, and researchers in China wanted to find out if this could be achieved through music.—
Eva Amsen,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Gayot has been a key player in restoring a level of quality to the collection and developing a fresh look to the brand, a balance that’s cool and modern while sustaining the heritage and classic American appeal.—
WWD Staff,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
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If the Kingdom locks those reforms in while sustaining a realistic pace on its mega-projects and widening space for constructive debate, the payoff will extend far beyond its borders to a more stable and economically productive Arab region better able to compete in the world.—
Ali Shihabi,
Time,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This healing blend is powered by Ayurvedic ingredients like virgin amla oil and brahmi, two staples in traditional hair remedies known for fortifying strands and stimulating hair growth.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
1 Sep. 2025
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Following a year in which a pair of cover songs propelled Maddell, 35, and Pavlovic, 24, to a new level of commercial success, the Australian musicians have spent much of 2025 fortifying their widening fan base.—
Josh Glicksman,
Billboard,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Sometimes the most restorative breaks happen right at home.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
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Recent research by travel company Rustic Pathways analyzed 70 destinations across 39 factors to identify the world’s best spots for restorative travel, with Canada claiming the top position for calmcations.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Shroud of Turin — a 14-foot-long linen cloth bearing an image of a crucified man — has captivated people for centuries, stirring debate over whether the relic once wrapped the body of Jesus Christ.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
4 Sep. 2025
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When the foam subsides, add the onion, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are tender, translucent, and deeply golden brown, 8–10 minutes.—
Jeremiah Langhorne,
Saveur,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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SpaceX lands Falcon 9 boosters on offshore drone ships after most of its launches and only brings the rocket back to an onshore landing on missions carrying lighter payloads to orbit.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
4 Sep. 2025
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The deal with YouTube caps off a tumultuous year for Sesame Workshop, which lost its output deal with HBO last December, though the streaming platform inked a deal to continue carrying some library programming.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Efforts should also prioritize public education, reducing stigma, and strengthening support for families and schools caring for individuals with autism.—
Adaira Landry,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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The National Hurricane Center has reduced the system’s development odds to just a 20% chance of strengthening over the next two days and a 20% chance within the next seven days.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bracing. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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