thrive

verb

thrived or throve ˈthrōv How to pronounce thrive (audio) ; thrived also thriven ˈthri-vən How to pronounce thrive (audio) ; thriving ˈthrī-viŋ How to pronounce thrive (audio)

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 noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the early days of the post-colonial United States, Long Island farms supplied New York City, while the whaling industry thrived in Sag Harbor. JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025 To me, equity means making sure every student has the opportunity and resources to thrive, no matter their background. Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2025 While so many arts institutions have struggled to survive, her academy continues to thrive and pour into young dancers year after year. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 Oct. 2025 As more employees filter into the building next year, the $3 billion investment reflects Dimon’s broader bet on the future of office life, built on the conviction that real culture and creativity thrive only when people work side by side. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thrive

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of thrive was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thrive. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

thrive

verb
thrived or throve ˈthrōv How to pronounce thrive (audio) ; thrived also thriven ˈthriv-ən How to pronounce thrive (audio) ; thriving ˈthrī-viŋ How to pronounce thrive (audio)
1
: to grow vigorously : do well : flourish
2
: to gain in wealth or possessions : prosper

More from Merriam-Webster on thrive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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