Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for psyching (out)
Verb
-
Clumsiness notwithstanding, bringing a criminal case against a journalist who was reporting on a protest is an authoritarian tactic—a means of frightening the press away from uncovering the truth.—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2026 -
But monks there complained that the slain king was walking around at night, frightening them with strange sounds.—
Rivka Galchen,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The air in the room changed immediately, terrifying little Liza.—
Elisabeth Garber-Paul,
Rolling Stone,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Pic was written and directed by horror filmmaker Ian Tuason, and follows the host (Nina Kiri) of a popular paranormal podcast who becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
For those just starting out, financial health can feel intimidating.—
Charlyn Tanner,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
-
However, the process of buying and selling gold or silver can seem intimidating, especially for those who have never done so before.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Ten points to Gryffindor for Bree shooting and subsequently scaring the bear away.—
Lincee Ray,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Effectively scaring a bear also reinforces the person as dominant in an encounter, so the bear learns to avoid people.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Also his signature immigration policy, these mass deportations, has become broadly unpopular, especially after the two killings in Minneapolis and these scenes of federal agents seemingly terrorizing people.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Cartel members are terrorizing many regions by setting fire to businesses and with gunfire in public areas.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
And there was probably some softening that was happening there.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Fresh broccoli florets cook right in the pot with the pasta, softening just enough while keeping a bit of bite.—
Maggie Meyer Glisan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Despite morale-sapping staff layoffs, bizarre executive orders and a 43-day federal government shutdown last fall, the grandeur and serenity of national parks in California remain irresistible to outdoors lovers looking to unwind.—
Jack Dolan,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The losses were sapping their strength and stamina.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Avoid space-wasting moves, such as storing tall bottles on the same shelf as short cocktail tumblers.—
Amy Panos,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The tube is filled with 1 fluid ounce of cream and is capped with a small pump to get the perfect amount of serum—without losing or wasting any precious product.—
Gabriela Izquierdo,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
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.
Cite this Entry
“Psyching (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/psyching%20%28out%29. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
