1
as in to brighten
to become glad or hopeful
cheer up—things are bound to get better
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to encourage
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
the general's speech cheered up the troops tremendously
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cheer (up)
Verb
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How to Eat To brighten up your winter menu, make a tropical-fruit juice salad with kiwi.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026 -
An InStyle writer swears by the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer for brightening her dark under-eye circles and acne marks.—
Melony Forcier,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Her administration has encouraged the siting of data centers in Michigan through sales and use tax exemptions.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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For example, toddlers will benefit from toys that encourage them to build gross motor skills and work on early speech and literacy skills.—
Anja Webb,
Parents,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Nicole said her costume was actually inspired by a childhood friend, ironically named Taylor.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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The reality star has been studying through an apprenticeship program in California and was inspired to pursue a career in the legal field, focusing on criminal justice reform.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The boy looked up mid-sob, startled.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
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The old, wrinkled one looks up at Helm’s mountain, at the sky above its summit.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cheer (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cheer%20%28up%29. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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