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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Her mother, Lianna Charles Moore, previously described her daughters as always laughing, smiling and brightening her family's day.—
Christina Fan,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026 -
Lush, vibrant and full of life, California Tropicals instantly brightens any space while adding fresh, feel-good energy.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Experts have come up with a sophisticated plan to use air cushions to lift the animal onto a tarp, which will be secured to two pontoons and attached to a tugboat.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
All evacuations and warnings have since been lifted.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The male wolf, named Neukgu, burrowed out of his enclosure at the O-World zoo in Daejeon on April 8, prompting a search that gripped the nation and raised fears about his safety.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Aramayo’s role raises other questions.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Or, for your next airport outfit, opt for a drapey button-down, buttery-soft joggers, and a roomy crossbody bag that keeps your essentials close while elevating your entire look.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Apr. 2026
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Space agency officials’ blood pressure was further elevated as experts closely watched the performance of the craft’s heat shield, which astronauts rely on to slow them down and keep temperatures livable.—
Noah Haggerty,
Los Angeles Times,
11 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 20 Apr. 2026.
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