Definitions

liven

[lahy-vuhn] / ˈlaɪ vən /

VERB

animate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

energize enliven exalt excite hearten inspire

STRONG

activate arouse cheer embolden encourage fire gladden impel incite inform inspirit instigate invigorate kindle move quicken revive revivify rouse spark spur stimulate stir urge vitalize vivify

WEAK

make alive

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bore discourage tire

STRONG

calm delay depress deter disenchant dishearten dissuade dull halt slow stop suppress

WEAK

deaden kill

VERB

quicken

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accelerate expedite hasten promote revitalize revive spur step up stimulate strengthen

STRONG

activate actuate animate arouse awaken dispatch energize excite galvanize goad grow hurry impel incite increase innervate inspire kindle motivate move pique precipitate refresh rouse speed spring stir urge vitalize vivify

WEAK

innerve make haste shake up vivificate

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decelerate discourage dissuade halt hinder hurt slow

STRONG

bore calm deaden decrease delay depress deter diminish disenchant lull prohibit quiet repress rest stop wait

WEAK

dull retard weaken

VERB

vitalize

Synonyms

STRONGEST

expedite revitalize stimulate

STRONG

accelerate activate actuate animate arouse awaken dispatch energize excite galvanize goad grow hasten hurry impel incite increase innervate inspire kindle motivate move pique precipitate promote refresh revive rouse speed spring spur stir strengthen urge vivify

WEAK

innerve make haste shake up step up vivificate

Antonyms

STRONG

bore calm deaden decrease delay depress deter diminish discourage disenchant dishearten dissuade halt hurt impede kill lull procrastinate prohibit quiet repress rest retard slow stop suppress wait weaken

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

So, I decided to liven the dressing room up and picked on my captain Ryan Shawcross, who - by the way - had been absolutely outstanding that half.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 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

liven

Example Sentences

Related Words