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
Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Amid the nods to social media and cancel culture and the shallow perils of modern celebrity, the image of Taylor-Joy’s disciplined group of insurgents, who speak in almost archaic, poetic dialogue, strikes a bracing contrast.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
Fort Lauderdale now finds itself under the scrutiny of the Florida Department of Government Efficiency, just as the city is bracing for possible passage of a ballot measure in November that would impose statewide property tax cuts.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Adjective
This fortified wine, which gets its complex flavor from a blend of botanicals, adds depth to this cocktail, softening the bracing intensity of the base spirit and making for a delightfully smooth drink.
—Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Amid the nods to social media and cancel culture and the shallow perils of modern celebrity, the image of Taylor-Joy’s disciplined group of insurgents, who speak in almost archaic, poetic dialogue, strikes a bracing contrast.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
Connecticut is bracing for a potential heat wave over a scorching few days expected to bring high humidity, temperatures that will reach the 90s and a heat index that could hit 100.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
Fort Lauderdale now finds itself under the scrutiny of the Florida Department of Government Efficiency, just as the city is bracing for possible passage of a ballot measure in November that would impose statewide property tax cuts.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
Adjective
-
For anyone who loves the look of heels but hates the discomfort that usually comes with them, these Vivaia mid-heels offer a refreshing alternative.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
11 June 2026
-
How refreshing to have a MAGA insider repudiate the lies.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Performance benefits often persist even in habitual users, even if the stimulating feel-good buzz fades.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
-
Defensins work by signaling the skin to begin a renewal process, engaging the same dormant cells the body uses during wound healing and stimulating the growth of fresh cells, Curcio said.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
In an encouraging sign, Dolphins running back De’Von Achane will be a limited participant in practice Thursday, five days after sustaining a rib injury in the Jets game.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
11 Dec. 2025
-
United were, critically, without their No 1 goalkeeper, Phallon Tullis-Joyce, for the final three matches due to the USWNT goalkeeper sustaining a fractured eye socket.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
10 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Supportive leadership includes recognizing the power of place and fortifying it with the tools, trust, and care needed for excellence to grow and thrive.—
Chip Bell,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
Evidence demonstrates that diversion programs, restorative justice practices, bail reform, and reintegration services reduce incarceration without jeopardising public safety.—
Baz Dreisinger,
Time,
2 Dec. 2025
-
Warm and life-affirming, this brilliant book has its own restorative beauty.—
Lex Goldstein,
PEOPLE,
2 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Alternatively, microwave chocolate at 50 percent power in 30-second increments, stirring well between each, until mostly melted.—
Martha Stewart,
Martha Stewart,
13 June 2026
-
However, Venus in Cancer will square Chiron in Aries, stirring feelings of vulnerability around romance, money and self-worth.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Investigators say multiple suspects carrying multiple weapons opened fire on revelers celebrating a 2-year-old’s birthday inside a Stockton banquet hall.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
11 Dec. 2025
-
The California Highway Patrol said the car carrying the couple and their two kids hit the tree off of Highway 50 near Kyburz in El Dorado County, according to NBC affiliate KCRA and FOX affiliate KTXL.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
11 Dec. 2025
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 17 Jun. 2026.
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