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
Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
The Georgia World Congress Center is bracing for a massive turnout this morning as the Showcase Atlanta Workforce Expo opens its doors.
—La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 5 Mar. 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
Severe weather season in Texas has arrived and Central Texas is bracing for a couple of stormy days on the horizon this week.
—Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
The Georgia World Congress Center is bracing for a massive turnout this morning as the Showcase Atlanta Workforce Expo opens its doors.
—La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
Adjective
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Senior Homes Editor Betsy Watson's grandmother always had a batch of this cool and refreshing salad chilling in the fridge for guests.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Even all-white sneakers with silver accents can inject a refreshing hint of modernity.—
Amber Rambharose,
InStyle,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Mowing regularly and at the proper height promotes a lush, dense lawn by stimulating root growth and lateral shoot development.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
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Another benefit of cutting rates would be stimulating the purchase of steel-heavy purchases like appliances and cars, Kopf said.—
Brian Cheung,
NBC news,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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He was limited to just three games in 2024 after sustaining a torn patellar tendon the previous season.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Studios traditionally have offered upfront fees and residuals based upon a film’s or TV show’s earnings—sustaining payments that sometimes continue for years, based on its success.—
Geoff Colvin,
Fortune,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Elevating their expertise and fortifying their decades-long involvement in the process of independent evaluation and guidance is critical to restore public trust in federal policymaking.—
Jerome Adams,
Fortune,
7 Mar. 2026
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Iran already appears to be preparing for this option by fortifying its defenses around its nuclear assets, satellite images from Vantor indicate.—
Nancy A. Youssef,
The Atlantic,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The break was long and torturous for fans but clearly restorative for Styles, who lolled in the Italian countryside with Alessandro Michele, bonded with a new niece, and found himself unassumingly among the masses in the Vatican when the conclave elected Pope Leo XIV last June.—
Michelle Ruiz,
Vogue,
6 Mar. 2026
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With unspoiled beaches, gentle Gulf waters, and sunset skies, Sanibel channels one of Florida’s most restorative weekend escapes.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Mix flour and remaining 1/4 cup Guinness, stirring until smooth.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Versatile enough for a variety of cooking applications, wooden spoons are a staple to have in the kitchen, and this set includes 10-, 12-, and 14-inch sizes perfect for stirring a big pot of soup, sautéing veggies, or mixing up cake batters.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, as well the Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships carrying the Marines, are based in Japan and have been in the Pacific Ocean for several days, according to images released by the military.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
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The most serious mid-air collision involving the plane happened in 1966, when a B-52 bomber carrying nuclear bombs struck a tanker near Palomares, Spain.—
Kim Tong-Hyung,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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McDonnell said the department was increasing visibility, strengthening enforcement and expanding partnerships to deter criminal activity in the area and hold offenders accountable.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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She is focused on addressing the affordability crisis many face, protecting people's rights, reducing health care costs, tackling homelessness, and strengthening the public education system, according to her campaign website.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bracing. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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