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
With the right care—namely ample sunlight—these resilient plants can flourish inside, and really liven up your space.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Jan. 2026
Setting the Table With Linens Cloth napkins are an easy, low-commitment way to liven up the table with additional color and pattern.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
It can be worn with anything from a tailored peacoat to a puffer coat to an off-duty shearling style; choose a splashy tomato color, like this Suzie Kondi cashmere one, for a hit of brightness to liven up the winter blues.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025
And a buzzy reality star often helps liven up a DWTS cast.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for liven
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Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Jan. 2026
Setting the Table With Linens Cloth napkins are an easy, low-commitment way to liven up the table with additional color and pattern.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
It can be worn with anything from a tailored peacoat to a puffer coat to an off-duty shearling style; choose a splashy tomato color, like this Suzie Kondi cashmere one, for a hit of brightness to liven up the winter blues.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025
And a buzzy reality star often helps liven up a DWTS cast.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for liven
Cite this Entry
“Liven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liven. Accessed 5 Jan. 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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