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

His ventures have thrived because of their agility and responsiveness to market demands, setting new benchmarks for excellence. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025

In 2025, the brands that thrive will be those that invest in both online and offline interactions, forging connections that transcend digital channels. —Brandon Mina, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

After the team practiced ahead of its flight to Toronto, backup center Kevin Love likened the team’s task ahead to thriving within a playoff series: playing things out while relying on luck, executing and winning games against non-playoff teams and capitalizing on homestands. —James Jackson, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

And that, my friends, is the place where imagination and innovation thrive. —Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 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