brace
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for brace, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A device or support that holds something firmly in place or steadies it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use brace
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French "brace" ("arm"), from Latin "bracchia," the plural of "bracchium" ("arm").
Full origin of brace →Frequently asked questions
What does “brace” mean?
The word “brace” means a device or support that holds something firmly in place or steadies it. In plain terms, something that supports or holds steady, a pair of something, or to prepare for impact.
How do you pronounce “brace”?
“Brace” is pronounced brays (/bɹeɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “brace” in a sentence?
Here is “brace” used in a sentence: “He wore a knee brace after the injury.”
What is another word for “brace”?
Words with a similar meaning to “brace” include twosome.
What part of speech is “brace”?
Depending on how it is used, “brace” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “brace” come from?
The word “brace” comes from Latin. From Old French "brace" ("arm"), from Latin "bracchia," the plural of "bracchium" ("arm").
Is “brace” a common word?
“Brace” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “brace” have?
“Brace” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device or support that holds something firmly in place or steadies it.
What is the difference between brace and braces?
"Brace" in the singular usually refers to a single support device, such as a knee brace, or is used as a verb meaning to prepare for something difficult. "Braces" more commonly refers to a set of dental devices used to straighten teeth, or a pair of supports used together.
What does it mean to "brace for impact"?
To brace for impact means to prepare oneself physically or mentally for a difficult or unpleasant event, such as a collision or shock, often by tensing the body or taking a protective position. This usage draws on the verb sense of brace, meaning to prepare oneself for something difficult.
Why is "brace" used to describe a pair of birds?
Brace is used as a hunting term to describe a pair of game birds or similar items taken together, a specialized use distinct from the more common meanings of brace as a support device or the verb meaning to prepare oneself.