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 initiative, spearheaded by WTI in collaboration with the Kerala Forest and Fisheries Departments and supported by VST Industries Limited, has thrived thanks to the unwavering support of local communities. —Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

The 26-year-old Spain international thrived with his freedom and enjoyed dropping deeper and getting closer to Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong as Barcelona overwhelmed the Betis midfield. —Pol Ballús, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025

Today, her children are thriving at our Passages Charter School, a school on the city’s North Side. —Chris Shue, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025

Since then, Bhutan has thrived by shunning outside influence. —By Charlie Campbell/gelephu, Bhutan, TIME, 16 Jan. 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

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