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

That’s what has kept it from thriving in South Florida for decades, despite early efforts by pioneering plant nerds. — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

While Jones was sidelined, Naz Hillmon stepped into that role alongside Reese and helped stabilize the position after thriving as the leader of the second unit. — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 23 July 2026

As a native to tropical climates, this tender perennial thrives in hot weather and won’t tolerate cold conditions. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026

The Chargers got another infusion of promising tight ends in the offseason, acquiring free agents David Njoku and Charlie Kolar, both of whom thrived elsewhere. — Los Angeles Times, 23 July 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