perk up

VERB

cheer

Synonyms

STRONGEST

brighten mend take heart

WEAK

ameliorate be refreshed buck up cheer up convalesce gain improve invigorate liven up look up pep up rally recover recuperate refresh renew revive shake

Antonyms

WEAK

depress

VERB

rise briskly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

rise stand erect

STRONG

cock

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He has naturally small ears, he said, so seeing them perk up in the mirror felt strange at first.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

A little lemon zest can perk up even the simplest of dishes, like scrambled eggs.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026

"But I need to be able to handle all the feelings and then perk up and perform."

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

It foresees mortgage rates next year averaging around 6%, while median prices perk up 4%.

From Barron's • Nov. 24, 2025

We all perk up when we see our ride for the day.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles