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Definitions

perk up



VERB
rise briskly
Synonyms


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.

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The thud of a hammering Hulksmash rattles our seats; later, a cocked rifle is so crisp we perk up like a dog hearing the mailman.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 30, 2026

Vance, who is heading up the talks, announces progress, news editors perk up.

From Slate Jun. 24, 2026

For about $70, a plastic surgeon injected the ridged cartilage of her ears with a hyaluronic-acid filler that caused her ears to perk up.

From The Wall Street Journal May 7, 2026

It’s hard to see why conditions perk up from here, and the Fed isn’t about to ride to the rescue.

From Barron's Mar. 6, 2026

It told our forebears whether to run when they saw a lion or perk up at the sound of a bird that might be food.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel




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