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
Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2026
That tight feeling that creeps in around Sunday afternoon — the one that turns a good weekend into a bracing countdown — has a name, and therapists say your Sunday schedule plays a bigger role in it than most people realize.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 27 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
The Ukrainian capital is bracing for further heavy bombardments.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2026
That tight feeling that creeps in around Sunday afternoon — the one that turns a good weekend into a bracing countdown — has a name, and therapists say your Sunday schedule plays a bigger role in it than most people realize.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
Adjective
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In the current era of Big Brother, in which one big alliance ofetn mows down the rest of the house with little-to-no resistance, revisiting a season-long duel between two distinct teams is even more refreshing.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 June 2026
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Moss is paired with sea salt for a subtle briny funk, while herbaceous sage, warm vetiver, and airy musk leave the scent light and refreshing.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Apollo Neuro reviews have been piling up across the internet as more people try the wearable device that aims to rebalance the nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve.—
Samantha Agate,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 June 2026
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In a new study published in PLOS, researchers analyzed 161 fossils with a new rapid and non-destructive protocol, based on stimulating the bone remains with an external energy source, called luminescence.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Her hyperfocus on the leaf raises questions that extend far beyond the kitchen, inviting an inquiry into the banana plant’s movement across geographies and its role in sustaining cultural traditions.—
Sophia Rey,
JSTOR Daily,
28 May 2026
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Emotionally cornered and spiritually exhausted, Anatoly at last lets everything rupture to the surface, sustaining the anthem's climactic note for over 20 seconds.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Verb
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It is primarily tasked with repairing and fortifying the city’s more than 210,000 streetlamps — a frequent target of copper wire thieves — and maintaining its network of electrical vehicle charging stations.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
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The five-day trade fair drew Black businesspersons from dozens of states, fortifying Jackson’s assertion that economic development is the way to Black power.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
Adjective
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That combination — sustained daily movement, fresh air, scenic landscapes and the social warmth of small inns — is a big part of why walking holidays appeal to couples, friend groups and solo travelers looking for something more restorative than a standard vacation.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
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Night sweats, shifting hormones and the sheer volume of responsibilities can rob women of the deep, restorative rest their bodies need to function, recover and stay well.—
Emily Cegielski,
Flow Space,
4 June 2026
Verb
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In this early 19th-century rebirth of backcountry religion, traveling ministers preached a fiery gospel of grace, stirring large crowds with their open-air sermons.—
Matthew Smith,
The Conversation,
8 June 2026
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Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally, until al dente.—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Behind him, in single file, trailed a troop of men and women carrying decades-old L1A1 and Lee-Enfield rifles.—
Dhruv Tikekar,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
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The system relied on an 11-parachute sequence to safely decelerate the capsule carrying a crew of four astronauts from over 25,000 mph in space to a gentle 20 mph splashdown.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
Verb
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On Wednesday, Raman said her administration would focus on lowering housing costs, protecting renters, reducing homelessness, improving city services, strengthening emergency response systems, supporting small businesses and fighting to retain jobs in the entertainment industry.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
11 June 2026
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The Putah Fire in Yolo County reached 45% containment Wednesday afternoon as firefighters reported no significant new growth and continued strengthening containment lines as red flag conditions moved in, Cal Fire said in an update Wednesday afternoon.—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bracing. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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