PERK (UP) Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

perk (up)

verb

ˈpərk

Definition of perk (up)

as in to brighten

to become glad or hopeful we perked up once the sun came out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

In a process known as photobleaching, the UV light breaks down the chemical bonds in pigments, which can brighten your whites.

— Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
The light that shone from Red Beard’s joints brightened.

— Will Mackin, New Yorker, 28 June 2026

Definition of brighten

Verb

The crew took part in rescuing a 47-year-old man who was pulled out of the rubble eight days after the quakes hit, lifting the spirits and morale of rescuers who up until then were primarily uncovering human remains.

— Seamus Bozeman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Elsewhere in the city, several heavy trucks were lifted and moved as far 30 meters by the winds.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of lift

Verb

But the data center boom has raised many questions about land use, the resources the complexes consume and the risk of costs being spread to other Georgia residents and businesses.

— Drew Kann, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
Gonzales ran with a platform decisively to the left, supporting Medicare-for-all, raising the minimum wage and cracking down on junk fees.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Definition of raise

Verb

Toxic metals, including lead and arsenic, were not elevated, according to air district data.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
The black-eyed peas blended with garlic, tahini, and lemon makes for a smoky, zesty, and bright dish that elevates a standard hummus.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026

Definition of elevate

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perks (up)

perk (up)

perky

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Style

“Perk (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perk%20%28up%29. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of perk (up)

verb

Example Sentences

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