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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bracing
Richard Lawson, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
Still, if the goal of a certain kind of big-swing public-intellectual book is to afflict the comfortable, then this book is a bracing way to afflict yourself, for the low price of thirty-five dollars.
—Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Virginia, which has more data centers than any other state, is bracing for major electric rate increases after having seen electricity costs rise by only about 3 percent over the last year.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Adjective
The film is trying quite hard to be a bracing and immersive depiction of rehabilitation’s hard toil.
—Richard Lawson, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
Still, if the goal of a certain kind of big-swing public-intellectual book is to afflict the comfortable, then this book is a bracing way to afflict yourself, for the low price of thirty-five dollars.
—Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
While some parts of Michigan are bracing for 4 or more inches of snow this weekend, Detroit residents are likely only to see about 1 inch, the National Weather Service says.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Virginia, which has more data centers than any other state, is bracing for major electric rate increases after having seen electricity costs rise by only about 3 percent over the last year.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
Adjective
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While both flavors share the same SPF actives and nourishing base, the Mint version delivers a refreshing, tingly finish from peppermint oil and menthol, while the Açai option leans sweeter with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
25 Oct. 2025
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Born in the California beach enclave of Montecito, the Napoleon comes by its refreshing summer vibes honestly, even if it is made with a seemingly unsummery spirit.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Aside from giving each strain their unique smell, terpenes also contribute to effects where some may be sedating (linalool, terpinene, myrcene), stimulating (limonene, pinene) and have medicinal benefits (caryophyllene, beta caryophyllene).—
Carly Fisher,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
29 Oct. 2025
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Save more serious, heavier pruning for shaping and stimulating new growth for late winter or spring.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But that hope depends on sustaining the cease-fire, facilitating the immediate entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza at levels sufficient to match the enormous needs, and urgently restarting critical services, including education.—
Catherine Russell,
Time,
3 Nov. 2025
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Isiah Pacheco won’t play Sunday after sustaining an injury late in last week’s win against Washington.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The moniker beaver moon marks the time of year when beavers begin preparing for the winter by fortifying dams and lodges and stocking up on food.—
Gina Park,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
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Meanwhile, the All’s Fair actress and soon-to-be-attorney has been quietly fortifying her Hidden Hills compound.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Cosmetic and restorative dentistry no longer belongs exclusively to high-budget clinics.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
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The garden uses restorative agricultural practices to prevent topsoil erosion by enriching the soil with microorganisms, Carlson said.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Like something stirring within a stone, or the stone itself.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
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The feature opens as Magda’s son returns from the front to this world without men, with his arrival stirring a growing unease among the group.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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China last tested its ICBM force in September 2024—its first since the 1980s—when a DF-31AG missile carrying a dummy warhead was fired toward international waters in the South Pacific, within the region's nuclear-free zone, according to a Newsweek map.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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The Falcon 9's upper stage, meanwhile, continued carrying the 29 Starlink satellites toward LEO, where were deployed on schedule about an hour into flight.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The Sherman Phoenix board of directors has committed to strengthening leadership and accountability.—
La Risa R. Lynch,
jsonline.com,
25 Oct. 2025
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The Office of Special Education is tasked with supporting and monitoring state compliance and strengthening special education services covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).—
K. Ward Cummings,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bracing. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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