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 Madewell CloudSoft Drop-shoulder Sweater is 65 percent off in a standout red that instantly livens up jeans and travel trousers, while the Madewell Pointelle Cutaway Cardigan rings in at just $21, and works year-round over tanks, tees, and dresses.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
This is just one in a series of rituals designed to liven up the tedium of wealth, just another game in service of manipulating others while pushing back against an all-encompassing numbness.
—David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2026
As a regular advocate of the French manicure, Dakota Johnson has decided to explore new territory to liven up this classic.
—Arancha Gamo, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2026
The pub will be offering bucket specials and raffle giveaways to liven up the night.
—Jacob Wilt, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Feb. 2026
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Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
This is just one in a series of rituals designed to liven up the tedium of wealth, just another game in service of manipulating others while pushing back against an all-encompassing numbness.
—David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2026
As a regular advocate of the French manicure, Dakota Johnson has decided to explore new territory to liven up this classic.
—Arancha Gamo, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2026
The pub will be offering bucket specials and raffle giveaways to liven up the night.
—Jacob Wilt, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 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 21 Feb. 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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