reverse psychology

noun

: a method of getting someone to do what one wants by pretending not to want it or by pretending to want something else

Examples of reverse psychology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For the next few weeks, your best bet may be reverse psychology. — Usa Today, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Her fans, of course, will support her, while anyone with a basic understanding of reverse psychology will do the opposite. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2026

Obnoxiousness like that is probably best understood as an attempt at reverse psychology. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026

Rock-paper-scissors is often a game of psychology, reverse psychology, reverse-reverse psychology, and chance. — Dina Genkina, IEEE Spectrum, 16 Dec. 2025

The risky reverse psychology actually worked, and Jase Wirey was later voted out in what is still considered an iconic move in the game’s history. — Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 5 July 2025

That’s when June walks in and calmly delivers a workshop in reverse psychology. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 13 May 2025

Ava Max is leaning into the art of reverse psychology ahead of the release of her new music, which the singer cleverly teased via a fake petition posted online Wednesday (April 9). — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2025

Heller calibrated simplified acting games for the kids but also used the kind of reverse psychology anybody can tempt a toddler with. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024

Rhymes for reverse psychology

• anesthesiology
• epidemiology
• ethnomethodology
• ethnomusicology
• gastroenterology
• immunobiology
• immunopathology
• neuropharmacology
• neurophysiology
• neuroradiology
• otolaryngology
• paleobiology