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
Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024
Here is a clear-eyed survey of what ails ocean life, shaped by Scales’s own experience and a bracing look at what’s being done.
—Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2024
Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
What Happens Next Authorities are bracing for even higher numbers as political instability in the region drives more people to attempt the perilous journey across the sea.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Adjective
The differences between what the proofs indicate Goya originally intended and what finally appeared in the bracing first edition, which wasn’t printed until 35 years after his death, can surprise.
—Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024
Here is a clear-eyed survey of what ails ocean life, shaped by Scales’s own experience and a bracing look at what’s being done.
—Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2024
Verb
In Alaska, some areas are bracing for eight inches of snow, plus strong winds of up to 45 mph, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to caution drivers to go slow and keep safe.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
What Happens Next Authorities are bracing for even higher numbers as political instability in the region drives more people to attempt the perilous journey across the sea.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
Adjective
-
The entire experience felt like a refreshing escape from the modern designs and aesthetics most grocery chains have adopted.—
Katelyn Squiers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Tossing cucumber slices with other vegetables for a refreshing summer salad?—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
But at the time, the theory that providing children with stimulating activities would help them more than rote learning and academic drills was revolutionary.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
6 Jan. 2025
-
For only the second time in at least a decade, top leaders last month made stimulating spending and domestic demand their top priority in 2025.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune Asia,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
While many artists can easily build a brand and fandom on social media, and then release music across streaming platforms without a major record label deal, managing and sustaining an entire career takes more know-how.—
Andrea Zarczynski,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
-
The falling birth rate is a concern in terms of sustaining economic development and the provision of support for large numbers of elderly people in the future.—
George Monastiriakos,
Newsweek,
31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Short breaks with restorative activities like a walk or deep breathing can recharge your mind and prevent stress buildups.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
To hydrate the skin of his body, Momoa counts on Triumph & Disaster’s restorative body balm.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Add the 3 ½ tablespoons butter and, stirring continuously, cook until the caramel reaches 238 degrees, 15 to 20 minutes more.—
Kelly Brant,
arkansasonline.com,
7 Jan. 2025
-
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook uncovered without stirring.—
Kelly Brant,
arkansasonline.com,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The SpaceX Dragon vehicle carrying the four spacefarers selected for a mission known as Crew-10 successfully docked at the orbital outpost about 28 hours after launching from Florida.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
16 Mar. 2025
-
But Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra insists the ethos remains, even at times such as these, with his team carrying a seven-game losing streak and 29-38 record into Monday night’s game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
This means not only strengthening technical defenses but also fostering a culture of security awareness at every level.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
-
This dynamic fosters mutual respect and curiosity, strengthening the overall mentorship culture within the organization.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The design is intended to spur students to leave their rooms and connect with their fellow students, supporting physical and mental health.—
Jeffrey Steele,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
-
Carter asked Davis to come out of retirement—again—to help lead the process of enacting the speed limit into law and supporting its nationwide promotion.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Bracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bracing. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share