cheer (up)

verb

Definition of cheer (up)next
1
as in to brighten
to become glad or hopeful cheer up—things are bound to get better

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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)
  1. brighten
  2. encourage
  3. look up
  4. inspire
Verb
  • Together, these mechanisms paint a richer picture of why Orion's giant star fades and brightens.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The light tan background brightens up darker decks and porches.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of brighten
Verb
  • In a statement, Gaspar said he was encouraged by the early results and the momentum behind his campaign.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The company said the release is intended to encourage other researchers to build on the work and improve the technology.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of encourage
Verb
  • As the train passes under the Royal Gorge Bridge, Clawson encourages me to open the cab window, lean back, and look up.
    — Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
  • In Clarksdale, visit the Delta Blues Museum; in Greenville, look up at the bald cypress trees in the Greenville Cypress Preserve.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of look up
Verb
  • The idea was inspired by birds, which often hop from place to place instead of constantly flying, saving them a lot of energy.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026
  • It’s been three years since Christine and the Queens shared his last proper solo album, a 20-song record inspired by Angels in America.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of inspire
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

cheers (up)
cheer (up)
cheery
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cheer (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cheer%20%28up%29. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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