prosper

verb

pros·​per ˈprä-spər 

prospered; prospering ˈprä-sp(ə-)riŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to succeed in an enterprise or activity

especially : to achieve economic success

2

: to become strong and flourishing

transitive verb

: to cause to succeed or thrive

Synonyms of prosper

• thrive
• flourish

Examples of prosper in a Sentence

She prospered as a real estate agent.

He hopes his business will prosper.

No crop can prosper in this heat.

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike the city’s conventional bonds, the certificate pays a return only if Chicago prospers. — Stuart Loren, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026

Gambling is a popular tradition, reflecting a belief that those who gamble on Diwali night will prosper throughout the year. — ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026

In 1893, the San Francisco Examiner approached four California super millionaires — today’s billionaires — for advice on prospering in the state. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

In the new century that followed, parties have continued to prosper when their presidential candidates win and give ground in the midterms. — Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prosperen, borrowed from Anglo-French prosperer "to promote, foster, be fortunate or successful," borrowed from Latin prosperāre "to cause to succeed, further" (Medieval Latin also, in passive, "to be granted success, succeed"), verbal derivative of prosperus "agreeable to one's wishes, successful, prosperous"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Kids Definition

prosper

verb

pros·​per ˈpräs-pər 

prospered; prospering -p(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to succeed or make money in something one is doing

2

: thrive sense 1, flourish

3

: to cause to become prosperous