brace 1 of 2

noun

Definition of bracenext
1
as in support
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else wore a brace for the injured knee

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2
as in pair
two things of the same or similar kind that match or are considered together bagged a brace of pheasants

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brace

2 of 2

verb

ˈbrās How to pronounce brace (audio)
1
as in to stimulate
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 to support
to hold up or serve as a foundation for several boards braced the wall

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to fortify
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally she braced herself for the job interview

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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 brace
Noun
Messi, De Paul, Suarez and Sergio Reguilon scored in that game and Emilio Aristizabal had a brace for Toronto. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026 Here, Varghese coordinates their physical therapy, builds their braces, fabricates their prostheses, and operates on their limbs, should things come to that. — Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
Still, this means consumers should brace for higher laptop prices, especially when looking for budget-friendly models. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026 Others have been bracing for years about growing scrutiny over inclusion initiatives. — Scott M. Curran, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brace
  1. support
  2. pair
  3. stimulate
  4. carry
  5. fortify
  6. reinforcement
  7. couple
  8. stir
Noun
  • Yet, earlier this month, I, my fellow editors and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration personnel were informed that support for the Arctic Report Card — our flagship annual report since 2006 — is canceled.
    — Twila Moon, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Demographic experts are cautiously optimistic about the new scheme, which appears to offer more sustained and holistic support for families.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • Golday already knows two defensive positions and pairs his flexibility with outstanding special teams ability.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Rod Patrick, known for its wide spectrum of available sizes among the 15,000 pairs of in-stock boots, sells premium and bespoke boots to a discerning client who appreciates attentive service.
    — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of pair
Verb
  • Chan’s parents always treated their back pain from laborious food industry jobs with acupuncture and cupping, the practice of using cups or suction on the skin to stimulate blood flow and the flow of chi, or energy.
    — Cara Kelly, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Featured in over-the-counter topical products, the vitamin A derivative is found ubiquitously in anti-aging skin-care products, selected for its ability to increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen.
    — Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of stimulate
Verb
  • Highlight one strong detail, ask what outcome matters most, and let your craft carry the room.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Moon Jong-won rounds out the cast as Um Sang-pil, who runs a bed-and-breakfast and carries a past shrouded in mystery.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of carry
Verb
  • Some are working to entice larger systems to buy them, hoping to fortify their finances.
    — Daniel Payne, STAT, 25 Aug. 2026
  • By the end of the day, Khālid had fortified the palace and was prepared to dig in and fight.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of fortify
Noun
  • The approach uses adversarial inverse reinforcement learning (AIRL) to learn walking strategies from stick insects.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Two police unions, the Sindicato Unificado de Policia and Confederacion Espanola de Policia, requested extensive reinforcements from the mainland.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of reinforcement
Noun
  • How happy couples avoid this fight Healthy couples absolutely still notice when things are lopsided.
    — Mark Travers, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Outdoor bars and tents are being set up for the crowds expected for the bull-riding event that evening, and couples of all ages hold hands and wander the brick streets.
    — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of couple
Verb
  • Every corner of the hotel holds something to evoke curiosity and stir inspiration.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Roast 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once, till cauliflower and corn are tender and edges are browned, pear is soft.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of stir

Browse Nearby Words

brabbling
brace
braced
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Cite this Entry

“Brace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brace. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on brace

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brace

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