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
-
The rich buttermilk ranch dressing is brightened by fresh lemon juice and zest, which balances the tang of buttermilk and sour cream with the savory herb notes of chives and basil.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
22 Apr. 2026 -
Ancho chile and cayenne give a layered blend of heat while brightened up by caraway, cumin, and coriander.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Sheehan allowed a single to Moisés Ballesteros with one out and was lifted after throwing a career-high 101 pitches with a 4-0 lead.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The mother then lifted the toddler out of the water while the otter continued attacking and bit her arm.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In that moment, Caldentey looked up, assessed the situation, and raised her right arm.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
These questions were raised after reporting by The New York Times in August 2024 regarding Moore’s untruthful claims about receiving the Bronze Star in Afghanistan — a story originally reported on in 2022 by FOX45’s Mikenzie Frost.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
My mother looked bewildered and even Father looked up.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
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Cassidy looked up the studies Kennedy raised and read through them during the hearing.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This top may look simple, but it’s elevated with darling ruffle accents around the sleeves and hem to set it apart from your average blouse.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2026
-
This unofficial wartime arrangement, which has elevated certain Iranian officials to positions of leadership, has left even the regime’s most loyal supporters confused over who is making decisions.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 2026.
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