Synonym Chooser

How is the word enliven distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of enliven are animate, quicken, and vivify. While all these words mean "to make alive or lively," enliven suggests a stimulus that arouses from dullness or torpidity.

enlivened her lectures with humorous anecdotes

When might animate be a better fit than enliven?

While in some cases nearly identical to enliven, animate emphasizes the imparting of motion or vitality to what is or might be mechanical or artificial.

happiness animated his conversation

When is quicken a more appropriate choice than enliven?

In some situations, the words quicken and enliven are roughly equivalent. However, quicken stresses a sudden renewal of life or activity especially in something inert.

the arrival of spring quickens the earth

Where would vivify be a reasonable alternative to enliven?

The meanings of vivify and enliven largely overlap; however, vivify implies a freshening or energizing through renewal of vitality.

new blood needed to vivify the dying club

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of enliven Artwork by Alisa Galitsyna enlivens the room. Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025 But rather than overwhelm the property, these additions have enlivened it, drawing a broader crowd to its idyllic grounds and helping a younger generation connect with the island’s slower rhythms, far from its glitzy beach clubs. Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025 Along with live music, a new mural by local artist NONY will enliven the beer garden. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025 Other updates enliven the story. Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enliven
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enliven
stimulate
Verb
  • States generally had strong revenue growth in 2021 and 2022 because of economic growth, which included federal aid to stimulate the economy.
    Bram Sable-Smith, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The data delay comes at a time when economists were looking for signs of a rebound in the job market after months of disappointing reports and when the Fed is expected to announce at least one additional rate cut before the end of the year to stimulate growth.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enliven.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enliven. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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