liven

verb

liv·​en ˈlī-vən 

livened; livening ˈlī-və-niŋ 

ˈlīv-niŋ

transitive verb

: enliven

—often used with up

… he … livened up the editorial page.

—Current Biography

intransitive verb

: to become lively

Synonyms of liven

• stimulate
• jazz (up)
• zip (up)

Examples of liven in a Sentence

He played some music to liven the atmosphere.

Recent Examples on the Web

With the Doodler, the company sought to create something to liven up the average weekday inside the office cubicle. —New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2026

Gold and black bangles add some bling, while the metallic-print top livens everything up. —Clare Holden, Glamour, 23 Mar. 2026

The energetic print is a strategic way to liven up even the most basic outdoor furniture arrangements, making future pool days feel that much brighter or even bringing back some life to the backyard on gloomy days. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2026

This air of uncertainty should liven up the final stop on the eternal awards blitz. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for liven

• ivan
• enliven

Kids Definition

liven

verb

liv·​en ˈlī-vən 

livened; livening ˈlīv-(ə-)niŋ 

: to make or become lively

—often used with up