liven

verb

liv·​en ˈlī-vən 

livened; livening ˈlī-və-niŋ 

ˈlīv-niŋ

transitive verb

: enliven

—often used with up

he … livened up the editorial page

—Current Biography

intransitive verb

: to become lively

Synonyms

• amp (up)
• animate
• brace
• energize
• enliven
• fillip
• fire
• ginger (up)
• invigorate
• jazz (up)
• juice up
• jump-start
• pep (up)
• quicken
• spike
• stimulate
• vitalize
• vivify
• zip (up)

Examples of liven in a Sentence

He played some music to liven the atmosphere.

Recent Examples on the Web

Lowell is smack dab in the middle of NWA and can definitely use more places like breweries and restaurants to liven up the after-work scene. —Alex Golden, Axios, 4 Sep. 2024

Throw blankets also happen to be one of the most underrated ways to liven up your living room or bedroom. —Nina Miyashita, refinery29.com, 3 May 2024

This popular V-neck blouse is made from a lightweight material that’s great for summer heat and comes in a variety of floral patterns that can liven up your wardrobe. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 2 July 2024

At the same time, the young coach has livened things up with a vertical, downhill style—one that allows for considerably more risk-taking than we’re used to seeing from the four-time World Cup champs. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

liven

verb

liv·​en ˈlī-vən 

livened; livening ˈlīv-(ə-)niŋ 

: to make or become lively

—often used with up