leaven

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.

“Weapons” has something for everyone: jump scares for horrorphiles, nods to classics like “Rashomon” and “Magnolia” for film buffs, and more than a few laughs to leaven the tension.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025

Port cities teem with elegant sailing ships, costumes are colorful and pockets of humor and romance leaven the action sequences.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2024

I also used to leaven the proceedings with humor.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2024

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