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
-
Lush, vibrant and full of life, California Tropicals instantly brightens any space while adding fresh, feel-good energy.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026 -
The oil-free formula leaves behind a lightweight bronzy tone that instantly brightens and tans skin.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And there were a number of terrorist organizations that sought to encourage the British to leave, thus creating a united Ireland.—
Colm Tóibín,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Teammates encouraged her and one even lifted her chin, but the damage was done.—
David Brandt,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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McDonald's teamed up with Netflix to launch two limited-time meals inspired by the film’s rival K-pop groups, HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys — complete with collectible photocards and exclusive digital content.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
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Namira lives in East Elmhurst, where several bus stops had recently been removed, disrupting her mother’s commute to Times Square and inspiring her to action.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Virginia Nishita took a deep breath, tried wiping her eyes dry and looked up, toward the heavens.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2026
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The passenger in the back eventually looked up from her phone, noticed Louise, and locked eyes with this bewildered-looking woman blocking the crosswalk.—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
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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 10 Apr. 2026.
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