cheer up

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of CHEER

to become glad or hopeful <cheer up—things are bound to get better>

Synonyms brighten, buck up, lighten, look up, perk (up)

Related Words rejoice; liven (up), revive; beam, glow, radiate, sparkle; encourage, gladden, hearten

Near Antonyms despair, despond; brood, fret, mope

Antonyms darken, sadden

to fill with courage or strength of purpose <the general's speech cheered up the troops tremendously>

Synonyms bear up, buck up, buoy (up), cheer (up), chirk (up), embolden, hearten, inspire, inspirit, steel

Related Words animate, enliven, invigorate; enforce, fortify, reinforce (also reenforce), strengthen; assure, reassure; boost, energize, excite, galvanize, provoke, quicken, rally, stimulate, stir

Near Antonyms demoralize, depress, sadden; debilitate, enfeeble, hamstring, undermine, weaken; intimidate, psych (out)

Antonyms daunt, discourage, dishearten, dispirit

What made you want to look up cheer[-3,verb]? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears