liven
verb
liv·en ˈlī-vən 
livened; livening ˈlī-və-niŋ
ˈlīv-niŋ
transitive verb
: enliven —often used with up
he … livened up the editorial page — Current Biography
intransitive verb
: to become lively
Synonyms
- amp (up)
- animate
- brace
- energize
- enliven
- fillip
- fire
- ginger (up)
- invigorate
- jazz (up)
- juice up
- jump-start
- pep (up)
- quicken
- spike
- stimulate
- vitalize
- vivify
- zip (up)
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
He played some music to liven the atmosphere.
Recent Examples on the Web This beautiful bottle is infused with real flowers to liven up your vanity case. 
Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 24 Aug. 2022 Rather than bright colors, seed pods can liven up your fall decor with their intriguing shapes and textures and sometimes even scents and sounds. Penelope O'sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2022 Warm tones instantly liven the skin, while subtle shimmer delivers a naturally radiant finish. Jillian Ruffo, Harper's BAZAAR, 30 June 2022 Accent pieces like throw pillows are an inexpensive way to make a space to liven up a space and add some personality. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 8 June 2022 The vehicle is well suited to long-distance grand touring for two or three and will liven up any short trip in suburbia. Mark Ewing, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2021 Gifted in an alluring tin, the game is filled with funny scenarios that will liven up any party. Karla Pope, Woman's Day, 4 May 2022 Indulge in grandma's plant obsession with this mini money tree that will liven up any room. Cristina Montemayor, Men's Health, 14 Apr. 2022 This on-sale wreath features a mix of jasmine, lavender, daisies, and wildflowers that will instantly liven up any space. PEOPLE.com, 20 Mar. 2022 See More
Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 24 Aug. 2022 Rather than bright colors, seed pods can liven up your fall decor with their intriguing shapes and textures and sometimes even scents and sounds. Penelope O'sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2022 Warm tones instantly liven the skin, while subtle shimmer delivers a naturally radiant finish. Jillian Ruffo, Harper's BAZAAR, 30 June 2022 Accent pieces like throw pillows are an inexpensive way to make a space to liven up a space and add some personality. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 8 June 2022 The vehicle is well suited to long-distance grand touring for two or three and will liven up any short trip in suburbia. Mark Ewing, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2021 Gifted in an alluring tin, the game is filled with funny scenarios that will liven up any party. Karla Pope, Woman's Day, 4 May 2022 Indulge in grandma's plant obsession with this mini money tree that will liven up any room. Cristina Montemayor, Men's Health, 14 Apr. 2022 This on-sale wreath features a mix of jasmine, lavender, daisies, and wildflowers that will instantly liven up any space. PEOPLE.com, 20 Mar. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
circa 1628, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
Kids Definition
liven
verb
liv·en ˈlī-vən
livened; livening
: to make or become lively
Hint: Liven is often used with up. He knows how to liven up a meeting.