Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for liven. Search instead for oliven.
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.

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

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Fresh faces with breakout performances can liven things up for you, or you can tune in for the comforts of veterans like Kathy Bates or Harrison Ford.

From Salon • Dec. 20, 2024

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

They did a great deal to liven up the atmosphere of the lab, where experiments usually lasted several months to years.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.