as in refreshing
having a renewing effect on the state of the body or mind
a chilly but bracing day
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sustaining
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
several boards braced the wall
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3
as in fortifying
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
she braced herself for the job interview
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bracing
Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
The film is trying quite hard to be a bracing and immersive depiction of rehabilitation’s hard toil.
—Richard Lawson, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 6 Jan. 2026
Colombia rushed troops to its frontier, bracing for potential refugees and denouncing the strikes as an affront to regional sovereignty.
—Robert Muggah, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bracing
Adjective
Not since John Cazale made The Godfather Part II (1974), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), and The Deer Hunter (1978) in sequence has a five-year stretch of acting been quite so bracing.
—Verb
Expect more appearances to come, something Storrie seemed to be bracing himself for when The Hollywood Reporter caught up with him in late December.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for bracing
Adjective
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If refreshing your home is a goal for 2026, consider soft pieces that make your space feel extra cozy during winter.—
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When paired with the refreshing quiet of the desert, the setting is truly a respite from daily stressors.—
Verb
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Instead of stimulating the brain, alcohol slows it down and loosens inhibitions.—
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So to ensure that everyone is working in harmony, the exec is revamping the usual chain of command; Colgate’s top leaders are hearing out entry-level staffers, stimulating the flow of ideas between ranks and generations to generate the best possible outcome.—
Verb
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Western governments have imposed sanctions on her in the past for her part in sustaining Maduro’s administration.—
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Puig first tore the ACL in his left knee in the Western Conference final in 2024, assisting on the game’s only goal after sustaining the injury.—
Verb
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The ensuing film combines soul with CGI, fortifying the lofty reputation Pixar had already built by 2001, just six years into its theatrical run.—
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Instead of fortifying their position, the Pats watched while a few competitors stocked up around them.—
Adjective
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Participating high schools, including Oakland Tech High School in Oakland and Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, adapted their peer support programs to school-specific goals such as providing restorative alternatives to suspensions and teaching students conflict resolution skills.—
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Plus, find more replenishing and restorative skincare products at Amazon below.—
Verb
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Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.—
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Wider horizons beckon as the emotional Moon lights up your 9th House of Adventure, stirring a desire to broaden your view through meaningful study and conversation.—
Verb
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Putin is yet to comment on the developments related to the tanker, which the US had previously sanctioned for carrying illicit Iranian oil.—
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Russia attacks Ukraine with new Oreshnik ballistic missile Russia attacked Ukraine overnight with a new hypersonic ballistic missile, an advanced weapon capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.—
Verb
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving was founded in 1980 by Candy Lightner and has succeeded in strengthening DUI laws across the nation.—
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His work focuses on expanding access, strengthening global engagement, and creating practical pathways that can help institutions connect with learners across borders.—
Cite this Entry
“Bracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bracing. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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