1
as in lively
having much high-spirited energy and movement
a pert girl who is a member of the cheerleading squad
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cute
making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred
a pert retort that irritated the teacher
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in spicy
sharp and pleasantly stimulating to the mind or senses
a pert suggestion for a truly original marketing campaign
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pert
The airport is three miles away, and the central shopping and dining district is contained within a pert five-block grid.
—
Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2022
Don’t Look Up in a pale blue Gucci suit, standing alongside a beaming, pregnant Jennifer Lawrence, a clean-cut Leonardo Dicaprio, and a pert Meryl Streep.
—Liana Satenstein, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2021
Ohlsson’s left hand alone exposed any number of passages glossed over by most interpretations, and the orchestra under Blomstedt was a pert, colorful, and utterly cohesive body.
—Zachary Lewis, cleveland, 2 Aug. 2021
In this recipe, on the other hand, alliums are front and center, with leeks standing upright, pert and proud, and calling unapologetic attention to themselves.
—New York Times, 16 Apr. 2021
See all Example Sentences for pert 
Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2022
Don’t Look Up in a pale blue Gucci suit, standing alongside a beaming, pregnant Jennifer Lawrence, a clean-cut Leonardo Dicaprio, and a pert Meryl Streep.
—Liana Satenstein, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2021
Ohlsson’s left hand alone exposed any number of passages glossed over by most interpretations, and the orchestra under Blomstedt was a pert, colorful, and utterly cohesive body.
—Zachary Lewis, cleveland, 2 Aug. 2021
In this recipe, on the other hand, alliums are front and center, with leeks standing upright, pert and proud, and calling unapologetic attention to themselves.
—New York Times, 16 Apr. 2021
See all Example Sentences for pert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pert
Adjective
-
If the fashion on the sidelines wasn't enough to hype up attendees, a lively dance performance to kick off the runway show did the trick.—
Anika Reed,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
-
That judgment works for me, but of course in their lively custom NR readers should feel free to improve my understanding of the matter in the comments section.—
Neal B. Freeman,
National Review,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Jang Theo was incredibly head over heels for her and showered her with gifts and cute gestures.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Her younger sister Rumi (who happens to be one half of a twin) matched her fly, wearing a black and white Amiri varsity jacket, light wash blue jeans, and Amiri’s cute Ma Canvas camera case.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Rye whiskey is the drier and spicier cousin of bourbon with an herbaceous edge, an edge which (as with the Sazerac, La Louisiane and others) is given a few dozen exclamation points with a dash of absinthe.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2025
-
Some perfumes smell pink and rosy, others are amber-hued and spicy, and some smell fresh and verdant—like a whiff of pale green.—
Jenny Berg,
Allure,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Whatever the reason, pop the top and embrace this energetic, aromatic, and balanced to the very last drop.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2025
-
While the mood throughout the night was mostly energetic and festive, a few speakers took aim at Trump's policies.—
Axios,
Axios,
3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Here, from the February 21, 1925, issue, are some particularly piquant reminders of shows past.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Their piquant sensitivity and horror have no equal in Millennial literature and journalism, which have become merely, rabidly politicized — so very socialist and anti-American that today’s media throws its hands up at the L.A. conflagration.—
Armond White,
National Review,
31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Unlike many children’s TV shows, the animated CoComelon doesn’t feature celebrity cameos—but CoComelon Classroom does.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
12 Feb. 2025
-
The longer answer: Yes, animated shows do have some analogous production techniques to the live-action bottle episode.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
This slightly masculine fragrance opens with zesty bergamot, then gets grassy and a little dirty thanks to the notes of vetiver and synthetic civet musk.—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
4 Feb. 2025
-
These wines are crisp and refreshing on the palate, with high acidity and zesty citrus notes.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Your business should excite your customers, frustrate your competitors and animate and motivate your people.—
Jeffrey Russell,
Forbes,
6 Nov. 2024
-
Photo : Paul Barnaby Robert Longo photographs animate the entry foyer.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
22 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near pert
Cite this Entry
“Pert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pert. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share