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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Instead, Button says under cabinet task lighting can often instantly improve a space, and pot lights are great for brightening up dull areas—especially any prep stations.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
30 Apr. 2026 -
Aside from brightening a space, increasing natural light can improve your mood, energy, and sleep patterns.—
Kylie Petty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Celtics started 1-for-7 from the field and fell behind 11-3 before Mazzulla made his first change, lifting Harper and sending in Payton Pritchard.—
Zack Cox,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
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The brand says the V-design on the back of these wide-leg pants creates a butt-lifting effect.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Fiona said, looking up from her phone.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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The importance of the moon phase is just one of many lessons that only emerge after time spent outside, looking up.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
3 May 2026
Verb
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Walker was also experiencing a mental health issue and was shot after raising a knife.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
30 Apr. 2026
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Several early tests failed, raising questions about the program’s future.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Small but mighty, this two-pack of glowing tiki torches—which also moonlights as an ambient light source—delivers high-quality surround sound.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2026
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The house is dizzyingly animate, like a video game where every object is a glowing grail.—
Olivia Kan-Sperling,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Silk skirts are a staple of my travel wardrobe, taking up minimal suitcase space while stretching my outfit options.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Apr. 2026
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In a mostly party-line April 28 vote, 50 Republicans and one Democrat blocked the Senate from taking up the measure.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Jewish Theological Seminary has named Rabbi Mike Uram as its next chancellor, elevating a Jewish educator best known for his time as executive director of the University of Pennsylvania Hillel to lead Conservative Judaism’s flagship university and rabbinical school.—
Andrew Silow-Carroll,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
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What was initially thought to be a small number of caves has been proven otherwise through ongoing research, elevating Nottingham’s historical significance (with a reference to Robin Hood attached).—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
3 May 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 5 May. 2026.
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