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.

And frankly, the game was so insipid that it needed something – or someone – to liven it up.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

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 • Mar. 31, 2025

A karaoke machine is brought out to liven things up.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2024

The Bridge Keepers supporters group led chants, banged drums and blew horns to liven the atmosphere.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 20, 2024

They seemed genuinely glad she was among them, as if grateful for a newcomer to liven things up.

From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye

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