enliven

verb

en·​liv·​en in-ˈlī-vən 

en-

enlivened; enlivening; enlivens

transitive verb

: to give life, action, or spirit to : animate

fresh flowers enliven the room

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

Synonyms of enliven

• stimulate

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

Hayes’ 3-pointer from the midcourt logo to end the first quarter keyed the Valkyries’ 24-9 second-quarter surge and enlivened a Golden State group that had started the game sluggishly. — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

The production will be enlivened by swing dancing and live jazz music. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026

The best museum cafés honor the spirit of their surroundings while striking a note of contrast—perhaps a contemporary design detail to enliven a historic interior. — Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026

The crowds were a welcome boon for the bartenders, enlivening what is usually a lull at Joxer Daly’s, which is away from the beaches and beer gardens where customers gather in the summer. — Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for enliven

• ivan
• liven

Kids Definition

enliven

verb

en·​liv·​en in-ˈlī-vən 

: to give life, action, or spirit to : animate

enliven the party with dance music