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
Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
American gas prices have jumped, and the international market is bracing for the possibility of a long-term war that would impede the flow of oil from the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed by Iran.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 10 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
Companies bracing for higher energy costs are already wresting with tariffs, inflation and bigger labor costs.
—Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
American gas prices have jumped, and the international market is bracing for the possibility of a long-term war that would impede the flow of oil from the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed by Iran.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
Adjective
-
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
-
The Form Insoles combine mechanical arch support with a neuro-stimulating texture, which is proven to reduce foot fatigue and arch pain by increasing overall foot awareness and foot posture.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The skin care tool is trending for its scalp-stimulating benefits.—
Fiona Ward,
Glamour,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Analysts noted similar activity occurred before last year’s Operation Midnight Hammer strikes, suggesting a pattern of fortifying critical facilities in anticipation of attacks.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
This balance of breathability and contouring comfort promotes a cooler, more restorative sleep experience.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Over time, his focus expanded toward surgical planning, restorative stability, and methods that support lasting function.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In a small bowl microwave chocolate chips, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth, about 1 minute.—
Jessica Saari Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Heat it gently, stirring occasionally, until the soup is warm.—
Riley Wofford,
Martha Stewart,
16 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
-
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
-
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
-
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 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
