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
  • Nevertheless, do not expect Jenny Sugarman’s side to be overawed, not after making history last spring by lifting the Adran Premier League title for the first time following a tremendous two-way tussle with holders Cardiff City.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • The effects of this tournament will still be studied and analyzed long after Rodri lifted the trophy and Spain danced on Sunday.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 20 July 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
  • Wide Brim Hats Hats are the other heroes of eye protection—and can elevate your style at the same time.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 22 July 2026
  • Sticking with our Porsche analogy, that elevates the Emira perilously close to 911 territory.
    — Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 22 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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