PSYCH (UP) Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

psych (up)

verb

ˈsīk

Definition of psych (up)

as in to brace

to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally I have to psych myself up before every swimming competition

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for psych (up)

Verb

The White House is likely to play hardball if confronted with investigations, and Democrats are bracing for an administration that potentially ignores subpoenas or refuses to turn over paperwork that lawmakers are demanding.

— Lisa Mascaro, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Brian Kelly, the mayor of the tiny New Jersey beach community Sea Bright, said the borough is bracing for winds of up to 50 mph and flooding that could reach up to 6 feet on some streets.

— Matthew Mulligan, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of brace

Verb

But the changes came after the early signing day for high school recruits and just before the transfer portal opened — not much time for new staffers to assess FSU’s personnel and fortify its roster.

— Matt Baker, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
The addition of cotton and raw material-producing countries like Egypt and Ethiopia further fortifies a strong sourcing platform that already includes manufacturing giants India and China.

— Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of fortify

Verb

Last month, a judge denied Anthony's motion for a new trial, though the family is readying another appeal.

— James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
The Spaniard tried to prepare his players for a crunch game at Anfield by playing You’ll Never Walk Alone, the emotive track that greets the Liverpool players onto the pitch before games, to help ready them for the atmosphere.

— Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of ready

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.

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psychs (out)

psych (up)

PT boat

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“Psych (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/psych%20%28up%29. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of psych (up)

verb

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