1
as in to brighten
to become glad or hopeful
we perked up once the sun came out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to lift
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 perk (up)
Verb
-
Other plants, like succulents and flowers, can help brighten up the space.—
Farima Ferguson,
The Spruce,
28 Apr. 2026 -
The filmmakers have lightened and brightened their source material to a kid-friendly degree — even the English countryside, as glisteningly shot by George Steel, has never looked less overcast.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Benedictine recruit came up with nine huge saves for the shutout to lift visiting Sandburg to a 1-0 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over district rival Andrew in Tinley Park.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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The productivity boom, in this reading, isn’t lifting all boats.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Member associations had appealed to soccer’s governing body to raise prize money because of cost concerns.—
Anne M. Peterson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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That duplication has raised concerns about staff consolidations and widespread newsroom layoffs.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Carly elevates the aesthetic activities of suburban women everywhere to the status of—what, exactly?—
Olivia Kan-Sperling,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
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If denim isn’t your thing, a wide-leg stretchy trouser instantly elevates any outfit while still feeling easy.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
2 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Perk (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perk%20%28up%29. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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