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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of enliven

Flavors of blackberry, black currant, vanilla, milk chocolate, cocoa powder, and anisette are enlivened by a closing splash of bright raspberry. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2024

Nor can the actors find a way to enliven roles whose only stabs at depth are provided by some of the clumsiest passages in Sam Scott and Lori Evans Taylor’s screenplay. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024

Inspired by California's Mojave Desert, sandalwood is enlivened by a whiff of violet which gives this eau de parfum a soft, floral-meets-powdery edge that has enticed Byredo fans since its 2014 launch. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2024

Tips for the Best Rotisserie Chicken Soup Add lemon: Our Test Kitchen Professionals recommend adding a squeeze of lemon at the end, which can help to enliven the flavor, especially if eating it after being frozen. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2024