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Definitions

pick-me-up

[pik-mee-uhp] / ˈpɪk miˌʌp /
NOUN
stimulant
Synonyms
STRONG
analeptic catalyst drug energizer incentive motivation motive restorative spur stimulus tonic upper
WEAK
reviver shot in the arm
Antonyms
STRONG
block discouragement hindrance

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.

To celebrate the season of both renewal and rejuvenation, I’ve been making my classic pick-me-up recipe: anchovy pasta.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

On a trip to the highly caffeinated capital of Vietnam, options for a pick-me-up range from traditional egg coffee to wild fruit-infused inventions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The win in Saudi Arabia was a quick pick-me-up after Napoli lost 1-0 to Udinese in the league at the weekend to leave them third, two points adrift of Inter and one behind Milan.

From Barron's • Dec. 18, 2025

People may dump their morning coffees or afternoon pick-me-up snacks in the trash can before they hop on the bus, which may or may not be cleared in time.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 25, 2025

“Listen, Harry, would yeh mind if I slipped off fer a pick-me-up in the Leaky Cauldron? I hate them Gringotts carts.”

From "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling