enliven

verb

en·liv·en | \ in-ˈlī-vən

, en-\

Definition of enliven

: to give life, action, or spirit to : animate fresh flowers enliven the room

Other Words from enliven Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about enliven

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Other Words from enliven

enlivenment \ in-ˈlī-vən-mənt

, en- \ noun, plural enlivenments

But for the formation of opinion, for the stirring and enlivenment of thought, and for the discernment of colour and proportion, the gifts of travel … are priceless — Winston Churchill

Choose the Right Synonym for enliven

quicken, animate, enliven, vivify mean to make alive or lively. quicken stresses a sudden renewal of life or activity especially in something inert. the arrival of spring quickens the earth animate emphasizes the imparting of motion or vitality to what is or might be mechanical or artificial. happiness animated his conversation enliven suggests a stimulus that arouses from dullness or torpidity. enlivened her lectures with humorous anecdotes vivify implies a freshening or energizing through renewal of vitality. new blood needed to vivify the dying club

Examples of enliven in a Sentence

He enlivened his speech with a few jokes. a soup enlivened by chili peppers A few touches of color will enliven the room.

Recent Examples on the Web

In this historic summer of unthinkables, day after day is passing without the orcas and fish that normally enliven the waters of the inland Salish Sea. — Anchorage Daily News, "Where are the salmon and the orcas? Tribe, scientists grapple with unprecedented disappearance in Washington waters," 6 Aug. 2019 The supporting cast effectively enlivened the teachings of Jesus through explosive dance numbers and compelling characterization. — Brooke Coughlan, Cincinnati.com, "Cappies reviews for 'Godspell' by Roger Bacon High School," 22 July 2019 Leftover marinade can enliven grain salads and sandwiches. — Jeanmarie Brownson, Twin Cities, "Refresh your summer cooking with versatile mint for grilled meats, salads and tea," 18 July 2019 Their bright and acidic juice can enliven all kinds of dishes. — Becky Krystal, Washington Post, "Sassy, salty preserved lemons belong in your pantry. Here’s how to use them.," 15 July 2019 What really enlivens the proceeding is some dynamic choreography by Amanda Boyan that works well with the large ensemble. — Sam Hurwitt, The Mercury News, "Review: Sunny songs, brutal story — that ‘s ‘Once on this Island’ in El Cerrito," 5 July 2019 Clever compositions enliven the shots of cameras and control rooms, where screens within screens transmit tendentious opinions to the American people. — Troy Patterson, The New Yorker, "“The Loudest Voice” Eviscerates Roger Ailes and Fox News," 30 June 2019 His comments brought it all back to the beginning, but the panelists’ future plans for Batman — and a sneak peek at the Dark Knight walking around the desert with the Joker’s head attached to his belt — especially enlivened the crowd. — Jevon Phillips, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Batman at 80: All a dream? At WonderCon, visions of hero draw gasps," 30 Mar. 2019 Griffin's selection early in the fifth round enlivened a day in which most picks are relatively unknown or obscure players. — Barry Wilner, chicagotribune.com, "Shaquem Griffin finally hears his name at NFL draft," 28 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enliven.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.