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
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
Anderson, as a team star, was bracing for frequent visits.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 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
Brown called the timeout, the whistle cutting through a tense Madison Square Garden already bracing for a 14-point lead slipping away.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
Anderson, as a team star, was bracing for frequent visits.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
Adjective
-
The guests, influenced by a secondhand spirit of festivity, ordered a round of Melonades, a refreshing, bittersweet concoction of vodka, lemon, and cantaloupe, topped with a heap of crushed ice.—
Dan Stahl,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
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This month, a refreshing energy drink alternative, moreish Parmesan ranch potato chips, and our current favorite wood cutting board.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Desires run deep on April 28, as Venus in Gemini meets with Pluto in Aquarius, creating one of the most magnetic and intellectually stimulating trines of the season.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
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Key Takeaways Eating a small handful of arugula before meals may gently support digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes, stomach acid, and bile.—
Kathleen Ferraro,
Verywell Health,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Over Your Dead Body knows that sustaining a harmonious union amid petty jealousies, paranoia, and personal flaws is hard; navigating a hostage situation involving desperate sickos and sociopaths is even harder; and maintaining a balance of laughs and gag-reflex tweaking is the hardest of it all.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2026
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The remark conveyed a familiar image of American military power, a projection of being technologically unmatched, logistically dominant and capable of sustaining operations indefinitely.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Think of calcium as fortifying fertilizer for your bones.—
Holly Carter,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The serum is formulated with a holy grail powerhouse that consists of a fortifying complex, firming complex, and Matrixyl 3000—all pivotal for minimizing signs of aging.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Gardening is a great example of a restorative activity.—
Lesly Gregory,
AJC.com,
23 Apr. 2026
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That creates a passive cooling effect supporting the core temperature drop your body needs to enter restorative sleep.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Add onion and celery; cook until tender, stirring occasionally.—
Maddy Bendgen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Apr. 2026
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By evening, disruptive Uranus enters your 12th House of Secrets and Solitude, stirring dreams, memories, and subconscious patterns.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Notably, these shakedown attempts come more than 15 years after Michael’s death, thus carrying no risk of being sued for defamation.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
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Asia-to-Europe or intra-Asia trade lanes often go through the strait, and vessels carrying cargo from other apparel manufacturing countries including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Myanmar are likely using the passage.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Microsoft committed $10 billion in 2023, strengthening OpenAI’s commercial expansion.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Apr. 2026
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That includes supporting fuel supply and infrastructure, developing pilot and demonstration projects, strengthening port-to-port data connectivity, and promoting interoperability, cybersecurity and common standards.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bracing. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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