thrive

verb

ˈthrīv 

thrived or throve ˈthrōv  ; thrived also thriven ˈthri-vən  ; thriving ˈthrī-viŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to grow vigorously : flourish

thriving emotionally/intellectually/spiritually

Many annuals and perennials need plenty of sunlight to thrive.

—Lauren David

2

: to gain in wealth or possessions : prosper

One restaurant thriving as lower income consumers pull back is Olive Garden.

—Francisco Velasquez

3

: to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances

thrives under pressure

—often used with on

thrives on conflict

thriver

ˈthrī-vər 

noun

Synonyms of thrive

• 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

The founders who thrive in this environment won’t be the ones who try to stay in the loop on all of it. —Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026

By early this year, though, the epicenter had shifted 800 miles south to Jalisco, a state with thriving agricultural and high-tech industries. —Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 17 May 2026

Moss and algae thrive in damp, shady locations. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 16 May 2026

They are considered shade-tolerant plants, but most will not thrive in deep shade. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026

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