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
-
Gerdes loves to work silver foliage plants like dusty miller (Jacobaea maritima) into containers, their light, shimmery leaves brightening up the garden.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Oct. 2025 -
Chicken and rice is a satisfying choice for brightening anyone's day.—
Emma Ashe,
Southern Living,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
That approach may make early movements feel more controlled, like lifting a car seat or getting in and out of the driver’s side without bracing a hand on the door.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
11 Nov. 2025
-
This leads the pair to head to Florida over the holidays in hopes of lifting the dog’s spirits.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
That’s one investment that has proved rather unfruitful so far, although things appear to be looking up for WBD investors currently with company on the auction block and simultaneously preparing to separate its cable operations and studios/streaming into to companies.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
29 Oct. 2025
-
In the Instagram carousel, Travis shared a photo of Rocky — already taking inspiration from his dad in a rock tee shirt and green and white sweatpants — showing off his curiosity by looking up at a sign of what appeared to be a yeti.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
It is measured in the millions of students striving for opportunity—most of them raising children, working jobs, serving in uniform, or making rent and mortgage payments with other bills competing for their attention.—
Yolanda Watson Spiva,
Fortune,
8 Nov. 2025
-
One person might earn more while the other contributes in different but equally meaningful ways, like managing the home, raising kids and planning for the future.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Charged particles from the sun interact with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing stunning northern lights, or glowing curtains of green, red and purple light that ripple across the sky.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
12 Nov. 2025
-
Traverse down glowing light tunnels to synchronized Christmas music.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
12 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Its foldable design with a snap closure keeps accessories organized, without taking up too much room in an everyday purse or carry-on bag.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Though once invited to appear in a film by Michelangelo Antonioni, travel restrictions of the era kept him from taking up the role.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
From record-breaking hammer prices to elevating scholarship, Phillips has taken watch collecting to new heights.—
Thor Svaboe,
Robb Report,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Kate Middleton—Catherine, Princess of Wales—revisited an iconic look from a previous Remembrance Day service, elevating the outfit with new details.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
9 Nov. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Perking (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perking%20%28up%29. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share