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
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Also inside are soothing Centella Asiatica, which brings down inflammation, with a powerful blend of tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and azelaic acid (essentially a Who's Who of brightening ingredients).—
Deanna Pai,
Allure,
29 Jan. 2026 -
Moreover, white clothing and linens also typically thrive in warmer water (depending on fabric) and may benefit from brightening agents that may be too harsh for colored fabrics.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Skorniakov worked with him on axels using a harness and a pole, bracing and lifting as his son spun in the straps.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
1 Feb. 2026
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But Beshear hasn’t turned Trump-bashing into a 24/7 vocation, or a weight-lifting contest where the winner is the critic wielding the heaviest bludgeon.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Consider looking up local donation places near your area for more options.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
25 Jan. 2026
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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
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Along with her late husband, the pair founded VIB, an anti-violence nonprofit dedicated to raising social awareness and aiding community causes in Boston, federal prosecutors said.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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During the 2020 campaign, Joe Biden proposed raising the corporate tax rate.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
30 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 4 Feb. 2026.
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