perking (up)

verb

present participle of perk (up)
1
as in brightening
to become glad or hopeful we perked up once the sun came out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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)
  1. brightening
  2. lifting
  3. looking up
  4. raising
  5. glowing
  6. taking up
  7. elevating
Verb
  • If true, the early afterglow hypothetically traces back to the jet’s wings, while the brightening X-ray phase came from the thin core.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Some also have other antiaging superstars like retinol, brightening ingredients like vitamin C, antioxidants like vitamin E, or niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) to strengthen the skin barrier.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of brightening
Verb
  • Throw on a pair of protective gloves before attempting any tasks that are hard on the nails or hands — whether that’s gardening or cleaning the house or lifting rough objects.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The deal would begin with Gulf countries providing economic relief to Iran in exchange for Iran lifting its restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz.
    — ALLISON MINOR, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of lifting
Verb
  • The defending champion Seahawks lost for the third time in four games and are now looking up at the NFC playoff standings and can ill afford many more slip-ups.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Johnson slipped out of the backfield and after about 15 yards started looking up.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of looking up
Verb
  • The former San Francisco supervisor wants to pursue legislation to prevent insurance companies from raising the rates or dropping the coverage of a policyholder who files a claim.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Arizona voters passed a measure that bans cities and towns from raising taxes on groceries until July 2027.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of raising
Verb
  • This nebula, called the Red Spider Nebula, is scuttling around space while its central star, glowing bright red in the middle, ejects bursts of gas and dust.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Don’t miss wearable glass costumes, an interactive botanical soundscape, glowing geometric light sanctuaries, and works by Dale Chihuly and other modern masters.
    — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of glowing
Verb
  • The Times reported last month that Waymo’s electric vehicles have been taking up space at public charging stations in San Diego County.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The pro-European government of Donald Tusk accuses Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki, who is aligned with PiS, of blocking judges elected by the parliamentary majority from taking up their posts at the tribunal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of taking up
Verb
  • As the Tour further builds on these opportunities in 2027 and beyond, his knowledge and experience will be key in elevating broadcast quality and delivering a premier viewing experience for fans.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The Hollywood guild is giving its national executive director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, a contract extension and elevating him to CEO.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of elevating
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.

Browse Nearby Words

perkiness
perking (up)
perks
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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 6 Nov. 2026.

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