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
Lewis as the ever-colorful Montgomery and Messina playing the surefooted Krick both really liven up the debate.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 26 May 2026
The original Sunday dinner got the cutest makeover with this recipe that’s easy to serve and will liven up the kids’ plates.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 24 May 2026
This pair gives just enough pop to liven up a black dress, solid swimsuit, or white tank and denim combo.
—Vanessa L. Powell, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
This past weekend, however, that same style buzz was injected into one of Santa Fe’s slower months—bringing together a unique crowd of Indigenous trailblazers and innovators that instantly livened up the city.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for liven
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Pete Hammond, Deadline, 26 May 2026
The original Sunday dinner got the cutest makeover with this recipe that’s easy to serve and will liven up the kids’ plates.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 24 May 2026
This pair gives just enough pop to liven up a black dress, solid swimsuit, or white tank and denim combo.
—Vanessa L. Powell, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
This past weekend, however, that same style buzz was injected into one of Santa Fe’s slower months—bringing together a unique crowd of Indigenous trailblazers and innovators that instantly livened up the city.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 May 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 29 May. 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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