1
as in lively
having much high-spirited energy and movement
a pert girl who is a member of the cheerleading squad
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cute
making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred
a pert retort that irritated the teacher
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in spicy
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses
a pert suggestion for a truly original marketing campaign
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of pert
Just as its title values blunt simplicity, Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote’s screenplay sets up the film’s central murder club with pert efficiency.
—
Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
On a September morning in 1914 a pert and pretty 21-year-old girl from Spokane, Washington, put her horse into what hundreds of onlookers regarded as a somewhat hazardous climb.
—Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025
His left arm is akimbo and his right arm is raised, in a pert military salute, to his forehead.
—Benjamin Moser, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2024
Plenty sweet, to be sure, but certainly not cloying, and despite the grapes’ long hang time the flavors are perfectly fresh — pert and bright, as opposed to the stewy-fruit notes that often burden late-harvest wines.
—Senior Wine Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 July 2019
See All Example Sentences for pert
Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
On a September morning in 1914 a pert and pretty 21-year-old girl from Spokane, Washington, put her horse into what hundreds of onlookers regarded as a somewhat hazardous climb.
—Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025
His left arm is akimbo and his right arm is raised, in a pert military salute, to his forehead.
—Benjamin Moser, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2024
Plenty sweet, to be sure, but certainly not cloying, and despite the grapes’ long hang time the flavors are perfectly fresh — pert and bright, as opposed to the stewy-fruit notes that often burden late-harvest wines.
—Senior Wine Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 July 2019
See All Example Sentences for pert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pert
Adjective
-
The lively restaurant, a tribute to British photographer and tastemaker Cecil Beaton, strikes a delicate balance between elegance and whimsy.—
Julie Tremaine,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
-
Created by Liz Heldens (Will Trent) and Matt Ward (Best Medicine), and set to kick off production in Los Angeles this year, the new series follows Heidi (Banks), who while fresh off a messy divorce, sets out to secure a lively second act for herself and her kids.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Walter, who had left the Progressive Labor Party, didn’t preach Marxism to his son, but Riley embraced a radical-left viewpoint on his own, after tagging along with some cute older girls who were participating in a cannery workers’ strike.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
He's described as being cute, with chin-length dark hair, dimples and a diamond stud in one ear.—
Jennifer McClellan,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Those are followed by a look inside Milpero’s fermentation room, where a sample drink acts as a midway digestif for the spicy, spectacular hot courses served later in the night.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
19 May 2026
-
This spicy and creamy queso is taken up a notch with a layer of creamy guacamole.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
Little Caesars Arena was as energetic as its been all season, and Detroit didn’t deliver, sending Pistons fans for an early exit.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
-
For a night out, head to local landmark Pam Pam, a fish-out-of-water Brazilian bar with tiki drinks, dance shows, live music, and an energetic atmosphere.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
The piquant dish is lacquered with strawberry-guajillo barbecue sauce, while a punchy coleslaw with Fresno chile vinaigrette rounds things out.—
Carolyn Burt,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
-
Conductors often fetishize the opening bars of this opera, their squirmy alternation of silence and piquant dissonance.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In recent years, Hollywood decided adult comedies were not good bets in movie theaters, and instead focused heavily on superheroes and animated films.—
Rodney Ho,
AJC.com,
22 May 2026
-
Toons boom across the Croisette this year, with colorful features opening Critics’ Week, closing Directors’ Fortnight, and appearing across nearly every section — further cementing Cannes’ status as a premier launchpad for animated cinema.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
From elegant Ginger-Peach Bellinis to refreshing non-alcoholic Ginger Soda, ginger brings a zesty twist to an entertaining drinks menu.—
Kelsey Ogletree,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 May 2026
-
Bright in color and flavor, the zesty lime dressing brings out the fresh flavor that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone at your gathering.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Woe unto those who fail to entertain, animate or amuse.—
Mark Barabak,
Mercury News,
13 May 2026
-
Zugunruhe is the itinerant desire of any animate being to keep moving and growing.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pert. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
