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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for psych (up)

Verb

Bitcoin and crypto prices have traded sideways for most of this year, with traders nervously braced for a dramatic shock.

— Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Firefighters were bracing Saturday for the possibility of worsening fires in Oregon, where a blaze near Bend was of particular concern because of its proximity to people.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of brace

Verb

Getty Images The New York Mets are one of the few sure-fire sellers at this point before the MLB trade deadline, putting several veterans under the spotlight as potential chips for opposing contenders searching to fortify going into October.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Paramount now must strengthen its case for a high-stakes trial while fortifying Paramount’s existing businesses and managing uncertainty among the employee base.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of fortify

Verb

In one of Kent Nishimura’s photographs of the White House press corps, which The New Yorker commissioned, the correspondent Beni Harmony readies herself for a segment featuring the President and the First Lady.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
Choose three specific actions in the next 30 days that ready you for the pivots ahead — planned and unplanned.

— Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 23 July 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.

Browse Nearby Words

psychs (out)

psych (up)

PT boat

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Psych (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/psych%20%28up%29. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of psych (up)

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

comely

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes