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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Instead, Button says under cabinet task lighting can often instantly improve a space, and pot lights are great for brightening up dull areas—especially any prep stations.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
30 Apr. 2026 -
Aside from brightening a space, increasing natural light can improve your mood, energy, and sleep patterns.—
Kylie Petty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Celtics started 1-for-7 from the field and fell behind 11-3 before Mazzulla made his first change, lifting Harper and sending in Payton Pritchard.—
Zack Cox,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
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The brand says the V-design on the back of these wide-leg pants creates a butt-lifting effect.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Fiona said, looking up from her phone.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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The importance of the moon phase is just one of many lessons that only emerge after time spent outside, looking up.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
3 May 2026
Verb
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Since the event’s conception in 2013, more than 60,000 donors have helped hundreds of nonprofit organizations in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties raising more than $117 million, according to the Sacramento Region Community Foundation.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
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Clark’s legal team has also highlighted the role of the lead detective in the case, who was later convicted in an unrelated matter involving perjury and evidence tampering, further raising questions about the original investigation.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Small but mighty, this two-pack of glowing tiki torches—which also moonlights as an ambient light source—delivers high-quality surround sound.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2026
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The house is dizzyingly animate, like a video game where every object is a glowing grail.—
Olivia Kan-Sperling,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Silk skirts are a staple of my travel wardrobe, taking up minimal suitcase space while stretching my outfit options.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Apr. 2026
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In a mostly party-line April 28 vote, 50 Republicans and one Democrat blocked the Senate from taking up the measure.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Jewish Theological Seminary has named Rabbi Mike Uram as its next chancellor, elevating a Jewish educator best known for his time as executive director of the University of Pennsylvania Hillel to lead Conservative Judaism’s flagship university and rabbinical school.—
Andrew Silow-Carroll,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
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What was initially thought to be a small number of caves has been proven otherwise through ongoing research, elevating Nottingham’s historical significance (with a reference to Robin Hood attached).—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
3 May 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 9 May. 2026.
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