Synonyms of flourish

flourish 1 of 2

verb

ˈflər-ish 

1

as in to thrive

to grow vigorously

that plant flourishes in cool, wet weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

• thrive
• prosper
• burgeon
• bourgeon
• proliferate
• produce
• sprout
• flower
• overgrow
• luxuriate
• shoot up
• bloom
• propagate
• root
• germinate
• fruit
• seed
• regenerate

2

as in to succeed

to reach a desired level of accomplishment

the arts program flourished once it received adequate funding

Synonyms & Similar Words

• thrive
• succeed
• prosper
• arrive
• excel
• make it
• cut it
• get ahead
• get there
• win
• hack it
• make good
• get somewhere
• make the grade
• hit it big
• prevail
• cut the mustard
• triumph
• make one's mark
• come into one's own

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fail
• struggle
• flounder

flourish

2 of 2

noun

1

as in wave

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wave
• shrug
• beckon
• beck
• body language
• sign
• signal
• gesture
• motion
• pantomime
• gesticulation
• mime
• sign language
• indication
• posture

2

as in ruffle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ruffle
• filigree
• flounce
• finery
• enrichment
• improvement
• bells and whistles
• enhancement
• fal-lal
• apparel
• furbelow
• ornamentation
• embellishment
• ornament
• frosting
• blazonry
• adornment
• decoration
• frippery
• trim
• garnish
• froufrou
• chichi
• garniture
• emblazonry
• embroidery
• frill
• appliqué
• bric-a-brac
• foofaraw
• glitter
• beautifier
• garnishment
• embossment
• fancywork
• gilt
• doodad
• design
• setoff
• embellisher
• pattern
• caparison
• trappings
• furnishings
• regalia
• bedizenment
• figure

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• scar
• blemish
• disfigurement
• spot
• stain
• blot
• defacement

Synonym Chooser

How is the word flourish distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of flourish are brandish, swing, thrash, and wave. While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement.

flourished the winning lottery ticket

When is it sensible to use brandish instead of flourish?

The meanings of brandish and flourish largely overlap; however, brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.

brandishing a knife

When could swing be used to replace flourish?

While the synonyms swing and flourish are close in meaning, swing implies regular or uniform movement.

swing the rope back and forth

When might thrash be a better fit than flourish?

The synonyms thrash and flourish are sometimes interchangeable, but thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement.

an infant thrashing his arms about

When can wave be used instead of flourish?

While in some cases nearly identical to flourish, wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion.

waving the flag

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of flourish

Verb

Melissa Benoist always played the Girl of Steel with heart, and that side of Kara really flourished in her slow-burn (and ultimately tragic) love story with Mon-El (Chris Wood) and blossoming friendship with Lena Luthor (Katie McGrath). —EW.com, 19 Feb. 2025

In its place, matte and textured finishes are flourishing as a more natural, forgiving, and practical flooring solution. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2025

Noun

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (2009) Photo: YouTube During the sad era of aging rockers playing their greatest hits without flourish or interruption, Springsteen was the only one who seemed to have some fun. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2025

And indeed, in the episode Carrie, who always had a flare for unconventional styling, has tartan flourish attached to a sash at her waist at Charlotte’s wedding. —John Russell, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025