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
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
Ensure your headlines are varied, incorporating elements such as numbers for specificity, humor to engage, surprising statements to captivate, and negative framing to address potential concerns or reverse psychology tactics.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024
If the goal of Biden’s cynical agitation was to use elementary reverse psychology to guide Republicans into endorsing views that are anathema to most American voters, mission accomplished.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 3 Jan. 2024
But a bit of reverse psychology from Phoebe sees Monica accepting the challenge of outdoing herself compared to last year’s meal.
—Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Nov. 2023
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.
—Sharon Tharp, Peoplemag, 27 July 2023
There’s probably some reverse psychology at play here: by owning its shortcomings, Patagonia boosts its reputation and becomes a brand people want to support.
—Jamie Ducharme, Time, 12 June 2023
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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
Ensure your headlines are varied, incorporating elements such as numbers for specificity, humor to engage, surprising statements to captivate, and negative framing to address potential concerns or reverse psychology tactics.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024
If the goal of Biden’s cynical agitation was to use elementary reverse psychology to guide Republicans into endorsing views that are anathema to most American voters, mission accomplished.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 3 Jan. 2024
But a bit of reverse psychology from Phoebe sees Monica accepting the challenge of outdoing herself compared to last year’s meal.
—Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Nov. 2023
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.
—Sharon Tharp, Peoplemag, 27 July 2023
There’s probably some reverse psychology at play here: by owning its shortcomings, Patagonia boosts its reputation and becomes a brand people want to support.
—Jamie Ducharme, Time, 12 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Reverse psychology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reverse%20psychology. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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