1
as in brightening
to become glad or hopeful
we perked up once the sun came out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lifting
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 perking (up)
Verb
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With Demna‘s first runway show for Gucci only a few weeks away, sentiment seems to be brightening around prospects for Kering‘s linchpin luxury property, which accounts for 39 percent of group sales.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026 -
This will help the aurora’s colors maintain a lush appearance without brightening the black sky.—
Lydia Price,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In exchange for lifting restrictions, China has agreed to reduce tariffs on Canadian canola oil, one of Canada’s top agricultural exports.—
Robert Ferris,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
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Prolonged moisture exposure can weaken the adhesive, leading to edges curling and tiles shifting or lifting entirely.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Things may be looking up at the Amazing AM.—
Richard Wagoner,
Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
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Plano postponed its vote on a vendor Monday when negotiations with DART started looking up.—
Lilly Kersh,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The agent is seen raising the pepper spray can, pointing it towards the crowd in what looked to be an attempt to keep them at a distance.—
Gio Insignares,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
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In an email to The Times, Newsom spokesperson Tara Gallegos said the governor had a strong record of fighting for workers’ rights, including raising the minimum wage and expanding sick leave and other worker protections.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Despite debuting less than a month ago, this matching set has already earned glowing feedback from Amazon shoppers.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
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The reviews for this easy jambalaya recipe are glowing.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Recycle them and enjoy not having as much paper taking up space in your home!—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
22 Jan. 2026
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With thoughtful compartments that keep everything organized without taking up much space, this travel accessory is one Shortsleeve never leaves behind.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Other staff at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission proposed elevating the Boarmans’ case to the agency’s administrative law court to further evaluate the cause of the pollution and pursue potential enforcement.—
Nick Bowlin,
The Frontier,
16 Feb. 2026
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The Chens aren’t the only ones elevating Chinese cuisine.—
Terry Tang,
Fortune,
16 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Perking (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perking%20%28up%29. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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