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

Tie a bandana around the back of your cap to brighten up a classic style.

— Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 8 July 2026
Her rich brunette color was brightened with shimmering, blonde highlights that were especially apparent in her half-up braid crown.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 6 July 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

Even Realities has largely been funded by Chinese-origin venture firms including CDH Investments, Monolith Management and CVC Capital, and raised an undisclosed sum from Unicorn Capital Partners and Cyanhill Capital in January.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 July 2026
In a landmark 2023 deal, Regan secured a statewide $25 wage floor for healthcare workers after qualifying initiatives to raise industry wages in Los Angeles and other cities.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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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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