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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

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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
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 The desire to reach the finishing post at the end, which every snorkler must touch before turning around for the second leg home, must be extremely strong in such an uninviting and bracing environment. — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 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
  • Since watermelon is a summer staple, consider making a refreshing watermelon rind gazpacho for your next backyard gathering.
    — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2026
  • That led to a refreshing summer of debating offseason moves without fans questioning the franchise’s overall direction.
    — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of refreshing
Verb
  • Beyond health, direct cash support boosts local economies by creating jobs and stimulating spending.
    — Mona Hanna, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Selectively stimulating its left and right sides allowed straight swimming, left and right turns, circles and U-turns.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of stimulating
Verb
  • Last year at the Venice Film Festival, Italy’s Fondazione Prada officially launched its film fund, aimed at sustaining independent cinema from around the world without any restrictions on theme, genre or language.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, left tackle Rashawn Slater, who missed all of last season after sustaining a knee injury in training camp, was sidelined for much of August because of a flare-up to that same knee.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of sustaining
Verb
  • 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
  • Residents were busy fortifying their properties ahead of the peak of the weather event, as city officials positioned crews early to begin working on lining the shore with berms.
    — Lesley Marin, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Definition of fortifying
Adjective
  • Massages can be arranged on your private terrace, and the breeze really adds a flair to what is already a restorative experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The potential for conflict bursts into the open at a seaside home that has been in Ye-ji’s husband’s family for years, where the group has decamped for a supposedly restorative holiday.
    — Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 6 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
  • According to a recent report from NuOrder by Lightspeed, 78 percent of senior wholesale leaders rank B2B wholesale as their top investment channel, while 53 percent said that strengthening existing retail partnerships is a priority.
    — Advertorial, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The natural climate cycle has been strengthening at a breakneck pace since it was first declared in June and is stronger now than it’s ever been on this date.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 14 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 16 Sep. 2026.

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