1
as in to brighten
to become glad or hopeful
we perked up once the sun came out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to lift
to move from a lower to a higher place or position
the dog tilts her head and perks up her ears whenever someone speaks to her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perk (up)
Verb
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The drums and shaker keep their mechanized pace, but the electronics constantly brighten and fade like flowers blooming in time lapse.—
Dash Lewis,
Pitchfork,
16 June 2026 -
Whitewashed walls brighten the living room, which flows into a modern kitchen outfitted with stainless-steel appliances.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Finland’s parliament on Wednesday voted to lift a decades-old ban on nuclear weapons, approving a major defense policy shift aimed at aligning the country more closely with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) deterrence strategy.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
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The hospital was initially placed on lockdown, but that order was lifted several hours later as police began clearing the scene.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Verb
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But after community concerns were raised, work on the Jefferson side is being delayed, according to the memo.—
Dawn White,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
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But recently, public health officials have raised alarms about a component of the leaf called 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH, an alkaloid that has the potential for abuse and addiction in high doses.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Verb
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What truly sets it apart is the decadent foie gras aioli that adds a velvety, indulgent texture and a depth of flavor that elevates every bite.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
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Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which degrades collagen and slows barrier recovery.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Perk (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perk%20%28up%29. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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