perking 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

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.

Despite dour consumer sentiment, the labor market has held up well, with the unemployment rate below historical average, and jobs growth perking up recently after a weak 2025.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

ADP said businesses created 63,000 new jobs in February — the biggest increase in seven months — in another sign that a sluggish U.S. labor market might be slightly perking up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

But though sales show signs of perking up, the company is still wrestling with a years-long labour fight that threatens to hamper its turnaround.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

Per a pro-tip from Nosrat, try perking up leftover chicken with salt and acid.

From Salon • Sep. 6, 2025

“Ooh, which instructor?” says Christina, suddenly perking up.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth