1
as in brightened
to become glad or hopeful
we perked up once the sun came out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lifted
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 perked (up)
Verb
-
Similar to cherry mocha, Kaeding says a wine brunette will have that dark base that is slightly brightened by a deeper red or copper tint.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
31 Dec. 2025 -
The policy brightened hopes among borrowers eager for lower payments.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
By Saturday the ban was lifted, but several vacationers were forced into extended vacations waiting for their next trip home.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Or at least the craziest until Malinin began doing on ice back flips during the 2024-25 season after the International Skating Union, the sport’s global governing body, lifted a ban on the stunt.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Republicans, who hold a super-minority in the Legislature and have long raised concerns about taxes and regulations overburdening California businesses, will likely oppose any tax bills.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Funds raised during the 2025 Grammy Awards telecast, MusiCares’ Persons of the Year event and additional fundraising efforts were used to help deal with housing instability, interrupted income, physical health complications and ongoing trauma.—
David Wilson,
Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The boy looked up mid-sob, startled.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Indeed, as some of the dachshund pups clambered onto the bed and got close, the Labrador even looked up toward the camera as if calling in reinforcements for help.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
He is elevated, isolated, burdened, deified--positioned as an emblem.—
Philip Martin,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
When Washington famously refused the power that could have come with such popular esteem, the move only elevated that esteem.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Perked (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perked%20%28up%29. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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