sober up

VERB

recover

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bounce back gain grow heal increase overcome pick up rebound recuperate restore revive

STRONG

better convalesce mend rally refresh rejuvenate renew

WEAK

be out of woods come around feel oneself again forge ahead get back on feet get better get in shape get out from under get over get well make a comeback perk up pull through regain one's health regain one's strength return to form snap back start anew take turn for better

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decline decrease destroy diminish hurt lose spend worsen

STRONG

deteriorate kill ruin weaken

WEAK

mislay miss wane

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.

See Examples For:

sober up

The CEO of one of the world’s largest airlines thinks it’s time to sober up.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 2026

"There's a romantic view that mining is an easy area, and one can get rich quickly... We need to sober up," he told AFP.

From Barron's ● Oct. 26, 2025

Not only is she there to sober up, but she must also earn enough money working at Earl’s chicken joint to buy Nathan back, or else permanently lose the heirloom.

From New York Times ● Dec. 26, 2023

Former federal prosecutor Elie Honig, a CNN legal analyst, said on Sunday that "there's something about being on the eve of trial that can really sober up both parties."

From Salon ● Apr. 17, 2023

My dad was serious, which made me immediately sober up.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

sober up

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words