PERKING (UP) Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

perking (up)

verb

present participle of perk (up)

as in brightening

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

The narrow harvest window and vitamin C plus niacinamide combination are what set it apart from other brightening serums on shelves.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
But while it’s been proven effective at tasks like brightening dingy whites and descaling coffee makers, does vinegar also work on bathroom odors, bacteria, and buildup?

— Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of brightening

Verb

Defense attorneys in both cases argued that the defendants’ intent was in question, raising in argument the possibility that their clients were not trying to cause serious bodily injury or death.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Enacting a solution is liable to be a significant political battle, likely involving cutting benefits for some Americans or raising taxes on higher earners, or both.

— Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of raising

Verb

Crosley has a new all-in-one offering called the Luminate Record Player that incorporates this glowing LED effect.

— Brad Moon, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
The Great Reno Balloon Race celebrates its 45th anniversary with four days of glowing balloons, mass ascensions, free tethered rides, and more.

— Tamara Gane, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of glowing

Verb

The model credits pasture for taking up carbon but does not count the carbon carried away in wool and livestock as leaving the system.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
One-and-done dressing means one less outfit to plan—and fewer pieces taking up precious suitcase space.

— Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of taking up

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.

Browse Nearby Words

perkiness

perking (up)

perks

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Style

“Perking (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perking%20%28up%29. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of perking (up)

verb

Example Sentences

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