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
But deeper in, percussion livens up under orgiastic shrieks and a cameo on guitar from Adam Granduciel of the War on Drugs.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 June 2025
Lively Additions Keep in mind that while colorful glassware, china, and the like will liven up your tablescape in an instant, there's nothing like the addition of fresh flowers or greenery to really bring color and energy to your setup.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 25 May 2025
But the true star is the check print that will liven any cocktail party.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2025
Winston livens up the evening with a deep touchdown pass to Malik Nabers but concludes it with a pick-six.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for liven
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Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 June 2025
Lively Additions Keep in mind that while colorful glassware, china, and the like will liven up your tablescape in an instant, there's nothing like the addition of fresh flowers or greenery to really bring color and energy to your setup.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 25 May 2025
But the true star is the check print that will liven any cocktail party.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2025
Winston livens up the evening with a deep touchdown pass to Malik Nabers but concludes it with a pick-six.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for liven
Cite this Entry
“Liven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liven. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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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