ENLIVEN Synonyms: 126 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'enliven' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of enliven are animate , quicken , and vivify . While all these words mean "to make alive or lively," enliven suggests a stimulus that arouses from dullness or torpidity. // enlivened her lectures with humorous anecdotes

Q: When might 'animate' be a better fit than 'enliven'?

While in some cases nearly identical to enliven , animate emphasizes the imparting of motion or vitality to what is or might be mechanical or artificial. // happiness animated his conversation

Q: When is 'quicken' a more appropriate choice than 'enliven'?

In some situations, the words quicken and enliven are roughly equivalent. However, quicken stresses a sudden renewal of life or activity especially in something inert. // the arrival of spring quickens the earth

Q: Where would 'vivify' be a reasonable alternative to 'enliven'?

The meanings of vivify and enliven largely overlap; however, vivify implies a freshening or energizing through renewal of vitality. // new blood needed to vivify the dying club

enliven

verb

in-ˈlī-vən

Definition of enliven next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word enliven distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of enliven are animate, quicken, and vivify. While all these words mean "to make alive or lively," enliven suggests a stimulus that arouses from dullness or torpidity.

enlivened her lectures with humorous anecdotes

When might animate be a better fit than enliven?

While in some cases nearly identical to enliven, animate emphasizes the imparting of motion or vitality to what is or might be mechanical or artificial.

happiness animated his conversation

When is quicken a more appropriate choice than enliven?

In some situations, the words quicken and enliven are roughly equivalent. However, quicken stresses a sudden renewal of life or activity especially in something inert.

the arrival of spring quickens the earth

Where would vivify be a reasonable alternative to enliven?

The meanings of vivify and enliven largely overlap; however, vivify implies a freshening or energizing through renewal of vitality.

new blood needed to vivify the dying club

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of enliven The surreal form comes to enliven Shakespeare, while also revealing the inner conflicts of its players amid the bleak times of isolation. —

Brandon Yu, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 Hendersonville also has a first-rate downtown with museums, shops, and restaurants to enliven a weekend trip. —

Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2025 Ganni, Laquan Smith and Tove show how to enliven basic denim with tie-dye effects that contrast vivid indigo shades with deeper casts. —

Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Jan. 2025 Purple performances Northwestern University has quite the run of concerts to enliven the bleak midwinter. —

Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for enliven