thrive

verb

ˈthrīv 

thrived or throve ˈthrōv  ; thrived also thriven ˈthri-vən  ; thriving ˈthrī-viŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to grow vigorously : flourish

2

: to gain in wealth or possessions : prosper

3

: to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances

—often used with on

thrives on conflict

thriver

ˈthrī-vər 

noun

Synonyms

• burgeon
• bourgeon
• flourish
• prosper

Examples of thrive in a Sentence

these plants thrive with relatively little sunlight

going to a school for gifted students will help him thrive as a musical prodigy

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, studios need hits to thrive worldwide to make up for the unavoidable duds. —Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2024

Contrary to earlier beliefs, , appears to thrive across diverse oceanic landscapes. —Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024

Many herbs will thrive indoors during the winter — including baby parsley and mint plants, which are beginner-friendly and can be bought at a nursery, according to the Chicago Botanic Garden. —Sami Sparber, Axios, 7 Sep. 2024

Fall is the time of year where scarves thrive, pumpkin is in season, and your television is full of exciting new (and returning) shows. —Ew Staff, EW.com, 6 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old Norse thrīfask, probably reflexive of thrīfa to grasp

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing thrive

• thrive on

Kids Definition

thrive

verb

ˈthrīv 

thrived or throve ˈthrōv  ; thrived also thriven ˈthriv-ən  ; thriving ˈthrī-viŋ 

1

: to grow vigorously : do well : flourish

2

: to gain in wealth or possessions : prosper