livened; livening
ˈlī-və-niŋ 
ˈlīv-niŋ
: enliven
—often used with up
… he … livened up the editorial page.—
Current Biography
Current Biography
: to become lively
Examples of liven in a Sentence
He played some music to liven the atmosphere.
Recent Examples on the Web
No matter the age of your child, Lightning McQueen beds are a surefire way to make bedtime easier for both of you and to help liven up playtime in their bedroom.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
These colorful shorts can liven up any capsule pieces in your wardrobe.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
Incorporate colors that liven up the kitchen without feeling overwhelming.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026
The film unhurriedly lurches from one markedly similar fight scene to the next, with only Skeletor’s occasional injections of ripe innuendo to liven them up a bit.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 2 June 2026
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Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
These colorful shorts can liven up any capsule pieces in your wardrobe.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
Incorporate colors that liven up the kitchen without feeling overwhelming.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026
The film unhurriedly lurches from one markedly similar fight scene to the next, with only Skeletor’s occasional injections of ripe innuendo to liven them up a bit.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for liven
Cite this Entry
“Liven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liven. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
liven
verb
liv·en
ˈlī-vən
livened; livening
ˈlīv-(ə-)niŋ
: to make or become lively
—often used with up
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