as in to stimulate
to give life, vigor, or spirit to
in most instances it's a good idea to enliven a speech with a joke or two
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of enliven
His voice moves easily into falsetto and enlivens the song with rhythmic gusto, while the dramatic arrangement utilizes a Latin bolero rhythm.
—
Rob Tannenbaum, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2025
Mies’s uncharacteristic use of colored marble was meant to enliven the museum’s steel-and-glass interior.
—Richard Meyer, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025
The new hall promises to further enliven Grand Avenue as an arts destination.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
Another completely superfluous and yet charming way to enliven someone’s desk set is to give them a proper wax sealing kit.
—Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 26 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for enliven
Rob Tannenbaum, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2025
Mies’s uncharacteristic use of colored marble was meant to enliven the museum’s steel-and-glass interior.
—Richard Meyer, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025
The new hall promises to further enliven Grand Avenue as an arts destination.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
Another completely superfluous and yet charming way to enliven someone’s desk set is to give them a proper wax sealing kit.
—Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 26 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for enliven
Cite this Entry
“Enliven.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enliven. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share