Synonyms

liven

American

[lahy-vuhn] / ˈlaɪ vən /

verb (used with object)

to put life into; rouse; enliven; cheer (often followed byup ).

What can we do to liven up the party?

verb (used without object)

to become more lively; brighten (usually followed byup ).

If this party doesn't liven up soon, let's leave.

liven British

/ ˈlaɪvən /

verb

(usually foll by up) to make or become lively; enliven

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

livener noun

Etymology

Origin of liven

First recorded in 1880–85; aphetic variant of enliven

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Iona is perched on a table by a windowsill, stapling albums to the ceiling as decor to liven up the record store she runs — not that the place needs much livening-up, considering Iona’s look.

From Salon

So, I decided to liven the dressing room up and picked on my captain Ryan Shawcross, who - by the way - had been absolutely outstanding that half.

From BBC

The reunion with Yamamoto – who left Soundgarden around 1989 -- for the Rock Hall show went a long way to livening the festivities.

From Los Angeles Times

Pecans add crunch and texture to soups, walnuts liven up pasta dishes and Marcona almonds bring a buttery, salty note to verdant salads.

From Salon

Cuts to the president, tucked away in his secure box, provided a few jump scares throughout the night, sometimes even livening up the moment.

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023