1
as in to brighten
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 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
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According to a new study that analyzed a combination of satellite images, artificial nighttime lights have brightened Earth by 16% between 2014 and 2022.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
6 May 2026 -
But Greek yogurt, crisp radishes, and fresh lemon juice brighten up the classic.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
5 May 2026
Verb
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Spurs’ back-to-back wins have lifted them out of the relegation zone and their remaining fixtures are hugely important.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
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And dirt is moving on the site of a future 148,000-square-foot Target, where developers and city and county officials lifted their shovels Tuesday.—
Rose Evans
Updated May 6,
Idaho Statesman,
6 May 2026
Verb
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Diplomats said the two countries raised strong objections when the UN Security Council discussed it behind closed doors last week, Reuters reported.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
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Independent reports have raised concerns about confusion and conflicts over who is ultimately accountable for education in California.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
Verb
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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 8 May. 2026.
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