Synonyms of enliven

enliven

verb

in-ˈlī-vən 

as in to stimulate

to give life, vigor, or spirit to

in most instances it's a good idea to enliven a speech with a joke or two

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stimulate
• arouse
• invigorate
• energize
• animate
• vitalize
• stir
• vivify
• electrify
• provoke
• awaken
• inspire
• excite
• quicken
• activate
• revive
• strengthen
• cheer
• motivate
• jump-start
• recreate
• drive
• jazz (up)
• rouse
• propel
• spark
• lift
• liven (up)
• zip (up)
• brace
• fire
• trigger
• spike
• raise
• motive
• awake
• amp (up)
• boost
• rally
• fillip
• refresh
• pep (up)
• move
• charge
• resurrect
• juice up
• renew
• impel
• galvanize
• wake (up)
• infuse
• ginger (up)
• actuate
• incite
• reinvigorate
• revitalize
• inflame
• foment
• fortify
• embolden
• set off
• rejuvenate
• instigate
• hearten
• rekindle
• reawaken
• buoy
• regenerate
• ferment
• kindle
• reactivate
• enflame
• reanimate
• whip (up)
• abet
• resuscitate
• enkindle
• turn on
• steel
• reenergize
• recharge
• refreshen
• restimulate
• reawake

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dull
• dampen
• kill
• deaden
• undermine
• damp
• weaken
• weary
• wear
• harass
• drain
• debilitate
• restrain
• inhibit
• exhaust
• enfeeble
• wear out
• burn out
• suppress
• slow
• knock out
• sap
• curb
• check
• wash out
• enervate
• fatigue
• quell
• quench
• do in
• repress
• discourage
• still
• stunt
• demoralize
• daunt
• tucker (out)
• dishearten
• fag
• kayo
• dispirit
• jade

Synonym Chooser

How is the word enliven distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of enliven are animate, quicken, and vivify. While all these words mean "to make alive or lively," enliven suggests a stimulus that arouses from dullness or torpidity.

enlivened her lectures with humorous anecdotes

When might animate be a better fit than enliven?

While in some cases nearly identical to enliven, animate emphasizes the imparting of motion or vitality to what is or might be mechanical or artificial.

happiness animated his conversation

When is quicken a more appropriate choice than enliven?

In some situations, the words quicken and enliven are roughly equivalent. However, quicken stresses a sudden renewal of life or activity especially in something inert.

the arrival of spring quickens the earth

Where would vivify be a reasonable alternative to enliven?

The meanings of vivify and enliven largely overlap; however, vivify implies a freshening or energizing through renewal of vitality.

new blood needed to vivify the dying club

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of enliven

The aromatic wine enlivens the mellow notes of the squash while the pyrazines (a green pepper taste) in certain Sauvignon Blancs are a match for the similar flavor of the bell peppers. —Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025

Its occasional goosing by nightmare sequences only briefly enliven characters that remain one-dimensional, and pacing that drags en route to an insufficiently explosive climax. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 July 2025

Bakay says part of the makeover will be enlivening the piazza itself with cooking demos, outdoor yoga and live music. —Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025

Carl Perkins' legacy enlivens the event Starr's timeless musical legacy fits seamlessly into the blend of blues, country and folk music that birthed rock and roll and is engrained in the American consciousness. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025