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.
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Recent Examples of bracing
Saveur Editors, Saveur, 30 Oct. 2025
Ropey cacio e pepe noodles are the star at Pasta, which is helmed by a husband-and-wife team from Peru who also make a killer mascarpone cheesecake spiked with gorgonzola, a bracing take on a classic dessert.
—Sara Liss, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Associated Press Brutally cold air continues to affect much of the United States, and portions of the East Coast are bracing for a nor’easter that could bring snow to places like Georgia, the Carolinas and the upper Northeast.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Adjective
Tossed with some of the vegetable’s green leaves and a bracing garlic-anchovy dressing, the salad pairs beautifully with rich pastas and roasted meats.
—Saveur Editors, Saveur, 30 Oct. 2025
Ropey cacio e pepe noodles are the star at Pasta, which is helmed by a husband-and-wife team from Peru who also make a killer mascarpone cheesecake spiked with gorgonzola, a bracing take on a classic dessert.
—Sara Liss, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
One week after the storm, several states are once again bracing to take another hit of winter weather.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Associated Press Brutally cold air continues to affect much of the United States, and portions of the East Coast are bracing for a nor’easter that could bring snow to places like Georgia, the Carolinas and the upper Northeast.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
Adjective
-
Romance and friendship here feel equal, refreshing and built on mutual admiration.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
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This refreshing drink combines turmeric powder, lemon juice, raw honey (for taste), and coconut or mineral water.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Verywell Health,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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More than two-thirds believe business investment will be stronger in 2026 than in 2025, likely the result of huge spending on artificial intelligence, but also tax changes stimulating investment.—
Steve Liesman,
CNBC,
27 Jan. 2026
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Rats housed in stimulating environments filled with toys, running wheels and social interaction developed larger, more complex brains than rats kept in standard cages.—
Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse,
The Conversation,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And for Hoka, sustaining double-digit percent growth over the medium term will depend on expansion into lifestyle.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
30 Jan. 2026
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However, filmmakers, producers, distributors, sales agents, publicists, critics, sponsors, and former Sundance staff — many of whom credit the festival with launching or sustaining their careers — spoke on background or off the record.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Canada’s defense commitment Canada has spent nearly a billion dollars fortifying its southern border.—
Paula Newton,
CNN Money,
20 Jan. 2026
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Shifting the team’s focus to 2027 Hayes’s attention will soon shift to fortifying her roster with the strongest candidates for World Cup qualifiers this year.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Cancer moon invites you to sink into restorative downtime to recharge your batteries.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
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The passionate youthfulness here and the spa’s holistic, restorative aura might seem like odd bedfellows, but the chemistry between the two enriches rather than contradicts the overall vibe of cool, refined, New York-ness.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Bring to a gentle simmer; cook, stirring occasionally and reducing heat if needed, until flavors meld, 10–15 minutes.—
Chris Morocco,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook uncovered without stirring.—
Kelly Brant,
arkansasonline.com,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The stars are going to be carrying the Olympic torches.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
31 Jan. 2026
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The small plane was carrying two crew members and 13 passengers, including Diógenes Quintero, 36, a member of the House of Representatives for Catatumbo, the airline said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In an era of instant answers, strengthening critical thinking means resisting automation.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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While strengthening the midfield is a priority, United want a defensive leader and will be weighing up their options for what’s likely to be a four-man defence now Ruben Amorim has departed.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bracing. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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