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

Watson continued to thrive in Aaron Gordon’s place among the starters, making all four 3-point attempts en route to 16 points. —Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024

Buddy Hield, Moore noted, has thrived in Golden State after falling out of the 76ers’ rotation. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024

Slimy slugs and snails are thriving in Los Angeles, California and appear to prefer urban life. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024

Located off the coast of South Australia, the Neptune Islands are a renowned marine sanctuary famous for their thriving population of great white sharks. —Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

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