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

Apathy thrives in environments where people feel like their work doesn’t matter. —Lindsay Kohler, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Childs and Scott recognize there’s a growth moment happening across Philly’s hospitality scene right now: How can high-end experiences thrive in a working-class city? —Alisha Miranda, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 May 2025

By condensing historically separate processing stages into a single campus, the company demonstrates that advanced magnetics can once again thrive in the United States. —William Jones, USA Today, 16 May 2025

But after a down season in St. Louis last year, Goldschmidt is thriving with the Yankees, hitting .346/.395/.506 through Thursday. —Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 16 May 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