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Definitions

leaven

[lev-uhn] / ˈlɛv ən /
VERB
ferment
Synonyms
STRONGEST
STRONG
WEAK


VERB
influence
Synonyms
VERB
raise
Synonyms


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.

If Ms. Gage wanted some celebratory leaven, she could have visited Dayton, Ohio’s many sites devoted to the Wright Brothers and their world-changing invention.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

An hour or two each week grappling with wood planks or mixing batter can leaven a long and monotonous school day.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2023

In the evening we will start with the first dough and when it's complete we let it leaven and rise overnight.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2023

I found the embellishments that the directors devised — among them classic magic tricks with playing cards and levitation — leaven the play’s more plodding contrivances.

From Washington Post • Jan. 26, 2023

A leaven of love was left, it is true— Lancelot, Gareth, Aglovale and a few old dodderers like Sir Grummore and Sir Palomides: but the tone was set elsewhere.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White




Vocabulary lists containing leaven