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
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
This means investing in livening up the office.
—Alanah Mitchell, The Conversation, 2 June 2026
This stain-resistant Joanna Gaines x Loloi runner is great for livening up hallways, galley kitchens, and entries, and for some romantic ambience, pick up these sheer curtains that filter light but won’t totally block the sunshine.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
Lewis as the ever-colorful Montgomery and Messina playing the surefooted Krick both really liven up the debate.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for liven
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Guy Lodge, Variety, 2 June 2026
This means investing in livening up the office.
—Alanah Mitchell, The Conversation, 2 June 2026
This stain-resistant Joanna Gaines x Loloi runner is great for livening up hallways, galley kitchens, and entries, and for some romantic ambience, pick up these sheer curtains that filter light but won’t totally block the sunshine.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
Lewis as the ever-colorful Montgomery and Messina playing the surefooted Krick both really liven up the debate.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 26 May 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 5 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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