PERK (UP) Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

perk (up)

verb

ˈpərk

Definition of perk (up)

as in to brighten

to become glad or hopeful we perked up once the sun came out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

That there’s a wonderful wedge salad to brighten up the plate is just icing on the cake.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
The background star gradually brightens and then fades as the two stars move out of alignment.

— Thomas Fauchez, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of brighten

Verb

But the sour mood that numerous surveys and polls have found about the state of the city does not appear to have magically lifted.

— Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
And votes from Democrats, who are likely to balk at any major cuts to spending programs frequently targeted by Republicans, would be required to lift debt ceiling legislation over the 60-vote filibuster threshold in the Senate.

— Garrett Downs, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of lift

Verb

The volume of the excellent eclectic soundtrack raises the energy level even higher.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
The suit says La Strada twice raised concerns with Hoskins, but his Capitol security badge then was deactivated before a hearing in the case and he was fired effective May 1.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of raise

Verb

Tariffs may still be elevating some costs, such as appliances, which jumped in price last month.

— DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFFFROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
And lawmakers from states newer to the early-primary lineup are already preparing to elevate what matters to their constituents, as they get wooed by presidential aspirants.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 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.

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perks (up)

perk (up)

perky

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“Perk (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perk%20%28up%29. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of perk (up)

verb

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