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

• stimulate
• jazz (up)
• zip (up)

Examples of liven in a Sentence

He played some music to liven the atmosphere.

Recent Examples on the Web

The bedrooms have a rustic cabin feel, with neutral-toned rugs and plants to liven up the space. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 23 Sep. 2025

This top-selling style comes in 27 plaid options to liven up your autumn wardrobe. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025

Rattan is a gorgeous, rustic material that evokes the essence of fall and is easily livened up when paired with dark green foliage. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025

Still, for those who like personalizing their iPhone with Home and Lock Screen customization, spatial scenes are a simple and harmless way to liven things up. —ArsTechnica, 17 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for liven

• ivan
• enliven

Kids Definition

liven

verb

liv·​en ˈlī-vən 

livened; livening ˈlīv-(ə-)niŋ 

: to make or become lively

—often used with up