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
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
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
Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
Just on Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Washington is bracing for an Iranian response over a proposal to end the war started by US-Israeli strikes on Tehran in late February.
—Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 8 May 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
But what inspired me most as a writer was his bracing vulnerability.
—Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
Just on Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Washington is bracing for an Iranian response over a proposal to end the war started by US-Israeli strikes on Tehran in late February.
—Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
Adjective
-
After a refreshing, standing, glass shower, guests have the option to purchase a bottle of wine or cocktail from the backyard bar as a to-go treat.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
-
My cocktail, Jesus Can’t Hit a Curveball, was decidedly undramatic in the looks department, but its combination of gin, ginger, celery and serrano peppers was phenomenally vegetal and refreshing.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Desires run deep on April 28, as Venus in Gemini meets with Pluto in Aquarius, creating one of the most magnetic and intellectually stimulating trines of the season.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Key Takeaways Eating a small handful of arugula before meals may gently support digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes, stomach acid, and bile.—
Kathleen Ferraro,
Verywell Health,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Then Matthew Boyd needed surgery on the meniscus in his left knee this week, sustaining the injury while playing at home with his kids.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
Margaret moved into his battle station and fought bravely, sustaining three gunshot wounds, until the British captured the post.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Think of calcium as fortifying fertilizer for your bones.—
Holly Carter,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
Research has found restorative practices can improve student behavior and academic performance.—
Stacker,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
Biologique Recherche uses walnut extract, plant oils, and shea butter for those restorative and the barrier build-back.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
But those seemed better suited to people who wanted to win hearts and minds through stirring oratory.—
Eli Durst,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Cover salad; chill until flavors meld, at least 1 hour or up to 3 days, stirring occasionally.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
Others may use hollow pipes, tubes, window ledges or even sliding door tracks (a favorite site for the grass-carrying wasp).—
Pamm Cooper,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
Lerner’s critical reputation is also through the roof, each new book carrying the weight of potentially being a moment of great artistic import.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Its long-term goal is to create a market for film rights to adaptations of literary works from the region, thereby strengthening cooperation between the film and book industries.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
6 May 2026
-
Beau founded the Beau Turner Youth Conservation Center, which aimed to get kids involved in outdoor activities while strengthening their connection to nature and wildlife.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bracing. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
