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

From monsters to kittens to strategy games, these sets will liven things up on nights when everyone is tired of screens. —Simon Hill, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2024

At the hospital, Beth livened up her smoothie with booze. —Charlie Mason, TVLine, 15 Dec. 2024

Washable and made with 100% acrylic material, this pop of pizazz can easily liven up any space. —Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Real trees can liven up your home during the holidays, from a trip to a tree farm to pick out your favorite tree, decorating it with lights and having the feel and smell of a fresh Christmas tree at home. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 2 Dec. 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