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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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
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Hired by Hornets co-owners Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin in April 2024 to bring the franchise out of its decade-long doldrum, and joined at the hip with coach Charles Lee, Peterson has quickly lifted the Hornets to respectability, pushing Charlotte among the NBA’s rising teams.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
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Andrés Giménez chased after one above the zone, lifting a shallow fly ball that Teoscar Hernández could corral without allowing a run to score.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Perhaps the easiest way to start an argument online is to post a video of a mother raising her child.—
Micah Barkley,
Bloomberg,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Political parties were disincentivized from forming coalitions—which might have unified the anti-Orbán vote—by incrementally raising the threshold required for alliances to enter Parliament.—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Bruce elevated her legs on a life jacket and wiped away the tears while two flight attendants stared down at her with vacant impatience.—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Colagreco’s hero restaurant espouses a sustainable gastronomy—in this case, elevating the humble British vegetable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 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 12 Apr. 2026.
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