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

• 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

Paul looks the part and Savaiinaea has the footwork and athleticism needed to thrive in this zone-blocking scheme. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025

Receiver Luke Stuart thrived, tallying 107 yards and a score. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025

When the whole industry is thriving and one company is still failing, the issue isn’t the economy. —Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Anasori’s lab is focused on creating MXenes that can thrive where current materials fail, from shielding electromagnetic waves to functioning as ultrathin antennas in next-generation communications. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing thrive

• thrive on

Rhymes for thrive

• dive
• drive
• five
• hive
• jive
• live
• strive
• alive
• archive
• arrive
• beehive
• connive

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