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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Your 12th House of Secrets and Solitude brightens as the vibrant Sun invites rest, reflection, and forgiveness, helping your brave spirit release pressure.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 2026 -
The trees featured here flower at different times throughout the year and tolerate a range of growing conditions, offering beautiful options to brighten any landscape.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Takaichi has pledged to revise security and defense policies by December to bolster Japan's military capabilities, lifting a ban on lethal weapons exports and moving further away from postwar pacifist principles.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
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Several profit reports from companies helped to lift stocks Wednesday.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Davis said that many online commenters seemed to object both to tipping and service charges, even as restaurateurs struggle to raise menu prices to keep pace with the soaring costs of food and rent.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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Murder-for-hire theories have been raised.—
Sofia Saric,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Locally, that mindset can normalize police militarization, limit free expression and elevate private interests over the public.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
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Their playoff run ended in heartbreak (a 33-30 overtime loss to Denver), and the offseason brought major change, with Sean McDermott out and Joe Brady elevated.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
14 Feb. 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 21 Feb. 2026.
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