as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
I have to psych myself up before every swimming competition
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for psych (up)
Verb
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Local farmers and businesses in Wisconsin are bracing for impact as funding for the state's federal food assistance program is set to run out by November.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025 -
Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, which soar to 7,500 feet and receive nearly 200 inches of rain annually, are bracing for up to 40 inches of rainfall from Hurricane Melissa over just a few days.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Today, scientists are still studying its properties, and the high priests of the antisugar brigade are still condemning it, while its romantic and even erotic reputation remains well fortified by Valentine’s Day.—
Aleksandra Crapanzano,
The Atlantic,
27 Oct. 2025
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Meanwhile, the All’s Fair actress and soon-to-be-attorney has been quietly fortifying her Hidden Hills compound.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Washington and Beijing are readying for a high-stakes week of talks which will culminate in a meeting between their respective leaders.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
24 Oct. 2025
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It was thought that the simple last scene of Tom readying Ethan’s bedroom and giving the always subtly expressive Ruffalo a moment of quiet introspection would do the trick.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
23 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Psych (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/psych%20%28up%29. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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