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
-
Niacinamide and turmeric add a clarifying, brightening effect without irritation.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
23 Jan. 2026 -
Arguably, the most popular antioxidant is vitamin C, which acts like a force field around the skin while brightening in the process.—
Jacqueline Kilikita,
Refinery29,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In 2024, in first (partial) year in his new no-heavy-lifting sinecure, Lowy pocketed $351,050.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
-
With the shot clock running down, Lopez swung the ball back to the other side, with Sanders waiting to retrieve it after lifting from the corner.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Consider looking up local donation places near your area for more options.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Born in Delano, California to a family of farm workers, Valdez grew up looking up to his older brother Frank, who had decided to pursue the American dream by way of education.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The central bank kept the benchmark interest rate steady in a split 8-1 decision, after raising it to the highest level in 30 years in December, ahead of snap polls that could see Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sharpen her advocacy for monetary easing and fiscal support.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
23 Jan. 2026
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There’s an absent father and a clueless, neglectful mother but the five Gilbert children — Lydia, Hugo, Annabel, Jeremy and Rosalind — are essentially raising themselves in an English country house of secret passages and worrying infestations.—
Chris Hewitt,
Boston Herald,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While the shower’s peak rate is a modest 20 meteors per hour, its swift, bright meteors often leave glowing trails.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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Myths like the Paulding Light, a mysterious glowing orb that hovers over the train tracks just across the border.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 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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In reality, the agency is elevating scientific rigor and economic reality over feel-good motivated reasoning.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Drawing on her training, Santana performed lifesaving measures, including elevating legs to improve blood flow to the heart.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
26 Jan. 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 27 Jan. 2026.
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