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
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
Theodore Keeping, a wildfire researcher at the University of Reading in England, said firefighters in those regions are bracing for a severe year, potentially facing some of the most damaging fire conditions seen in recent history.
—ArsTechnica, 14 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
Police are bracing for a potential mall takeover at Westfarms this weekend.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
Theodore Keeping, a wildfire researcher at the University of Reading in England, said firefighters in those regions are bracing for a severe year, potentially facing some of the most damaging fire conditions seen in recent history.
—ArsTechnica, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
Adjective
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Relive your days of jumping off rope swings amid stands of cypress trees in Texas Hill Country, or simply enjoy a refreshing dip after a hike in New Hampshire's White Mountains.—
Talia Avakian,
Travel + Leisure,
14 May 2026
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Alcohol While a cold glass of beer or a mixed drink may feel refreshing in the moment, alcohol dehydrates you.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Between networking wins, social media visibility and unexpected opportunities, this month feels fast-moving and intellectually stimulating in the best way.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
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For the central South American country, the program offers a pathway to driving global investment and stimulating the local economy.—
Brittany Chang,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The book explores codependency, mental health and the realities of sustaining love under pressure.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
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The court was told that Paul and her 10-month-old son were in one of the seven cars involved in the collision, resulting in the baby sustaining a broken leg, per Toronto Sun and CBC.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Butka’s arrival continues a growing trend this offseason at Boise State, which is fortifying its inside game with taller, stronger bodies.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Apr. 2026
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Think of calcium as fortifying fertilizer for your bones.—
Holly Carter,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But an ostensibly restorative vacation to Mexico — which Sarah uses as an occasion to introduce her parents to Donimo — only highlights the symptoms of what a doctor eventually diagnoses as early-onset Alzheimer’s.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
14 May 2026
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And two years ago researchers showed that taking a walk in nature was more mentally restorative than a similar walk on a city street.—
Kyla Mandel,
Time,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring often, until flavors meld and sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 15 to 20 minutes.—
Jasmine Smith,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
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Spencer Pratt, the former reality TV star turned Los Angeles mayoral hopeful, is coming off a busy week in the headlines thanks to his participation in a debate and his sharing of conversation-stirring videos in support of his candidacy.—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Verb
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The outbreak aboard the MV Hondius began after a Dutch cruise ship carrying 147 passengers and crew departed Argentina on April 1 for a South Atlantic voyage.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
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For instance, that giant water bottle is not something any European is carrying around.—
Kristy Alpert,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck said property tax reform is important to Senate Democrats, as well as provisions strengthening collective bargaining for first responders.—
Jack Harvel,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2026
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This creates an immersive experience that allows viewers at home to feel part of the action as well, strengthening the overall sense of community.—
Christine Mortag,
Condé Nast Traveler,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bracing. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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