as in stimulates
to give life, vigor, or spirit to
in most instances it's a good idea to enliven a speech with a joke or two
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Recent Examples of enlivens
To capture that warmth, Rhode’s Pocket Blush in Sun Soaked delivers a vibrant, spiced orange that instantly enlivens the complexion.
—
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026
The seltzer leavens it, enlivens it, puts room between the flavors where the room is needed most, and turns a derivative and mediocre drink into a fascinating and bizarre one.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
Artwork by Alisa Galitsyna enlivens the room.
—Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
Yet each performer enlivens a role that looks a bit beleaguered on the page.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
The music, which ranges from Motown to '80s alternative, enlivens the room without muffling conversations.
—Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Aug. 2025
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026
The seltzer leavens it, enlivens it, puts room between the flavors where the room is needed most, and turns a derivative and mediocre drink into a fascinating and bizarre one.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
Artwork by Alisa Galitsyna enlivens the room.
—Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
Yet each performer enlivens a role that looks a bit beleaguered on the page.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
The music, which ranges from Motown to '80s alternative, enlivens the room without muffling conversations.
—Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlivens
Verb
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Ginger stimulates the digestive tract, promoting healthy digestion and facilitating the removal of food and gas from the body.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
13 Mar. 2026
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During dry years, no wildflowers appear above ground, but the seeds remain dormant until rain stimulates germination.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In doing so, Jones gives the novel the same sense of inevitable tragedy that animates Wharton’s books.—
Lily Meyer,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 2026
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The charismatic and intense Kelce embodies and even animates the culture of the Andy Reid-era Chiefs, particularly as the sole remaining player from Reid’s 2013 inaugural team in Kansas City.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlivens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlivens. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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