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 Black business districts and citizens thriving during Reconstruction only to be stamped down by a century of racial terror, Jim Crow segregation, and racist urban renewal. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 The Social Evil Ordinance was short-lived—it was repealed in 1874—yet the oldest profession continued to thrive as the Gateway to the West expanded its reign as a bustling port along the Mississippi. Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Nov. 2023 As for the District’s broader revitalization vision, Albert said the Downtown Action Plan will seek to leverage downtown D.C.’s existing strengths, such as trying to attract businesses that thrive in proximity to the federal government. Michael Brice-Saddler, Washington Post, 29 Nov. 2023 Keep an eye out for his upcoming singles, and remember his promise to pay it forward, ensuring that the magic of music continues to thrive in the hearts of future generations. Christian Anderson, Billboard, 29 Nov. 2023 Ad-free streaming services like Netflix were booming and ad blockers for the web were thriving. Suzanne Vranica, WSJ, 28 Nov. 2023 The city as an international commercial hub could thrive, but the city as liberal, cosmopolitan enclave may wither. Simon Curtis and Ian Klaus, Foreign Affairs, 27 Nov. 2023 Despite the threat of war or sanctions amid rising geopolitical tensions, artificial intelligence is likely to rapidly increase productivity and help the economy thrive, according to the Wall Street veterans. Bywill Daniel, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2023 Hardened by a five-year, record-setting career at UCLA and a high school tenure that tested his patience, Thompson-Robinson is getting his shot to thrive in the NFL. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thrive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old Norse thrīfask, probably reflexive of thrīfa to grasp

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thrive was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near thrive

Cite this Entry

“Thrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thrive. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

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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