PSYCHING (OUT) Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

psyching (out)

verb

present participle of psych (out)

as in frightening

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for psyching (out)

Verb

Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 June 2026
This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.

— Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 15 May 2026

Definition of frightening

Verb

What for decades seemed a hypothetical problem to be solved at some later date is suddenly a concrete, terrifying one for today.

— Stephen Witt, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
And there was Erling Haaland living his best Norwegian life, terrifying on the pitch and absurd off it, multiplying his stardom with a flamboyance and humor that didn’t detract from his serious talent.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of terrifying

Verb

Rather than prescribing rigid programs or focusing solely on physical health, the resort blends science with ancient wisdom, movement, nutrition, nature, and human connection to create experiences that feel individualized rather than intimidating.

— Gabby Shacknai, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
To be sure, putting our unvarnished, authentic selves on display can feel intimidating, but audiences respond well to it, and this approach can allow for meaningful connection and influence.

— Matt Abrahams, Time, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of intimidating

Verb

Be a menace to people in the community, driving his boat 70 to 80 miles per hour, driving around scaring the heck out of people, taking people's lives.

— Lauren Victory, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Notably, the research shows that pumas contribute most to decreased deer-vehicle collisions by scaring their prey, and not killing them, highlights Mark Elbroch, director of the Puma Program for Panthera and also a study co-author.

— Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of scaring

Verb

Every few decades since its founding a dark and deadly cycle begins, terrorizing the local community, many of whom are unable to survive beyond the island’s borders.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Rising antisemitic hate-crime stats suggest the proliferation of deranged bigots terrorizing the Jewish community, some who may go on to commit deadly crimes if they are not apprehended.

— Rachel Sales, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of terrorizing

Verb

Wrap loosely in a paper towel and place in a perforated bag or container to help absorb excess moisture, which will slow down softening.

— Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026
The softening job market may complicate the calculation for the Federal Reserve, which is also battling stubborn inflation.

— Scott Horsley, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of softening

Verb

In the game after Newcastle’s sapping 2-1 home defeat to their local rivals on April 12 and after a long gap between fixtures, Howe’s team travelled to Crystal Palace and lost again.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Unlike basketball or baseball, pro football is far from the point where regular-season contests become meaningless, but that hasn’t stopped its fans from debating whether the NFL is sapping some of the magic that comes from football’s scarcity.

— Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026

Definition of sapping

Verb

The process has been criticized for wasting workers’ time and raising their expectations but is not required under the law.

— Stuart Anderson, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Both of these smart systems allow homeowners to ensure their lawns or gardens are hydrated without wasting water.

— Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of wasting

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psychics

psyching (out)

psyching (up)

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Style

“Psyching (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/psyching%20%28out%29. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of psyching (out)

verb

Example Sentences

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