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

This community thrived in modern-day southeastern Poland between 4100 B.C. and 3650 B.C. Based on its quality, archaeologists believe the dagger belonged to a high-status person. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2024

What to expect Eyesores or symbols of a thriving economy: Are Phoenix construction cranes going anywhere? —Nick Sullivan, The Arizona Republic, 16 Apr. 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