perk (up)

verb

ˈpərk How to pronounce perk (up) (audio)
Definition of perk (up)next
1
as in to brighten
to become glad or hopeful we perked up once the sun came out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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)
  1. brighten
  2. lift
  3. raise
  4. elevate
Verb
  • Strawberry, orange, peach and passion fruit flavors brighten this West Coast IPA.
    — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026
  • In this cocktail from Nguyen, Japanese rice vinegar’s gentle acidity brightens the drink without overpowering the other ingredients.
    — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of brighten
Verb
  • If fiscal spending lifts growth and productivity, markets will be more forgiving.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Speaking from their home in Birmingham, Alabama, over video, Nan Skier lifted her hand to show the very first piece from their collection, which fits comfortably on her index finger.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of lift
Verb
  • The Athletic put the points raised in this article to United.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • State workers used the forum to raise $9,000 in under three weeks for an Interstate 80 billboard protesting the RTO order.
    — Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of raise
Verb
  • Your sleeping position is also important; for example, for those who can manage it, sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated is a excellent for your skin, and helps prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes.
    — Laura Sandroni, Vogue, 29 July 2026
  • This luggage customization kit includes two comfort handle grips, six zipper pullers, a carry pouch, and an ID tag, all designed to elevate your current suitcase.
    — Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026
Definition of elevate
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

perks (up)
perk (up)
perky
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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 5 Aug. 2026.

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