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

What separates thriving marriages from struggling ones isn’t the absence of difficulty, but the willingness to face hard truths and work through them together. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

There’s a set of plastic planters that look like ceramic pots, each with a drainage hole and saucer to keep your container gardens thriving. —Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025

When families have options, students are more likely to thrive and schools are encouraged to innovate and meet the diverse needs of their learners. —Skylar Zander, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025

Excess moisture and poor air circulation in consistently wet soil create the perfect conditions for mold spores to thrive. —Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Mar. 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