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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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,
27 June 2025 -
Then give someone a sincere compliment to brighten his or her day.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
27 June 2025
Verb
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Sealing your grout is a great way to prevent further staining and using a steam cleaner can help to lift the stains.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
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President Donald Trump's passport policy was lifted.—
Taylor Wilson,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
Verb
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That raises real concerns about whether SGA and Co. can make the right plays against Indiana's defensive pressure in Game 7. Ironically, many expected this exact issue -- pressure defense forcing turnovers and leading to easy offense the other way -- to play a huge role in these Finals.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 June 2025
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Although questions had been raised about whether the boat was properly secured — such as the hatches being left open to water — the new report found that weather was the primary risk, and that a burst of intense winds is believed to have tipped over the luxury yacht within a matter of seconds.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
22 June 2025
Verb
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Core inflation, which excludes the volatile food and energy categories, remains elevated at 2.5%.—
Lionel Lim,
Fortune,
19 June 2025
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It’s already commonly featured in things like mole, a traditional Mexican sauce that combines chili peppers and cocoa, among other ingredients, but can also elevate dishes where it’s not typically used—like in a rich and earthy vinaigrette or in chili where its bitter notes will add extra depth.—
Audrey Bruno,
SELF,
18 June 2025
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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 3 Jul. 2025.
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