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

Derived 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 • Feb. 28, 2026

Some people even threw in extra theatrics and party favors to liven up their pitch.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2024

Yang Hyun-Jun, who also helped liven up Celtic from the bench, then teed up Palma for the simplest of finishes.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2024

“We need to continue to evolve. And so that’s what we’ve been really focused on, is how do we bring the spark and liven it up with the culture?”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 4, 2024

What traps have the Gamemakers hid den to liven up the slower moments?

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

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