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

Notes like grapefruit add a sparkling freshness that can brighten a floral composition or provide an intriguing contrast to warmer ingredients.

— Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026
The lightened and brightened interiors showcase wide-plank light oak floors, textured plaster walls, designer lighting, and French doors that open seamlessly to the outdoors.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2026

Definition of brighten

Verb

Recent storms appear to have lifted Lake Powell by more than 20 feet from its September low while delivering a smaller rise at Lake Mead, offering a boost to the Colorado River’s two largest reservoirs.

— Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026
The second lifted Chi Phi's suspension a year earlier but kept the fraternity on a form of probation known as deferred dismissal.

— Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of lift

Verb

Andy’s view The prospect of steep losses for Republicans in today’s midterms and the lame-duck presidency that ensues regardless raise a fundamental question about the outlook for a budding US-China détente.

— Andy Browne, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
In one video, Basabe appears to raise his voice at a man before turning around and shouting at a woman.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of raise

Verb

Police say subway surfers do it before and after school hours, mostly where tracks are elevated.

— Dave Carlin, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Last month during Big Ten basketball media days, Petitti argued that elevating the meaning of such games was the point of expansion — beyond the unspoken benefit of additional money.

— Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 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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Style

“Perk (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perk%20%28up%29. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of perk (up)

verb

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