Cheer

v.joyful, hopefulwarm

Meaning 1

To make someone feel happier or more hopeful.

Reach for it when describing an action that lifts a person's mood

A handwritten note helped cheer the homesick camper.

everyday
brighten
a small act improves a mood or day
not when Brighten suggests a lighter shift and may undersell deep discouragement.
warm
comfort
easing sadness or distress is the immediate need
not when Comfort may soothe pain without creating happiness or hope.
professional
encourage
strengthening confidence or effort matters most
not when Encouragement can be serious and need not brighten the mood.
literary
gladden
causing heartfelt pleasure suits a graceful tone
not when The old-fashioned word can sound affected in everyday advice.

To call out approval or encouragement for a person or team.

Reach for it when naming visible audience support during an effort or performance

Families lined the final hill to cheer every cyclist.

everyday
root for
loyal hope for someone's success is central
not when Private support can count as rooting for someone without any audible cheer.
professional
applaud
clapping expresses approval after an achievement
not when People can cheer with voices, signs, or presence before the result is known.
formal
rally
energetic support gathers people around a side or cause
not when Rallying is organized and collective, unlike one person's simple encouragement.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.