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 vibrant blooms, zinnas liven up any garden and attract pollinators.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
This piece is ideal for those in need of a statement piece to liven up the blank wall across from your bed frame.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Mar. 2026
With a little care, flowering bulbs and other plants can liven up these dreary winter days.
—Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026
Throttle and transmission shifts have been tweaked for sharper response, while, critically, a series of chassis alterations aim to liven up handling and steering feel.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026
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Lauren David, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
This piece is ideal for those in need of a statement piece to liven up the blank wall across from your bed frame.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Mar. 2026
With a little care, flowering bulbs and other plants can liven up these dreary winter days.
—Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026
Throttle and transmission shifts have been tweaked for sharper response, while, critically, a series of chassis alterations aim to liven up handling and steering feel.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 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 14 Mar. 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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