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

But finally against Maryland, UCLA thrived in all three phases of the game. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

And talent with a liberal arts education—reading- and writing-heavy disciplines spanning humanities, natural sciences, sociology, and the arts—will have the most well-rounded skill set to thrive. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026

While blunt bangs can be difficult to maintain on hair that isn’t pin-straight, whisper fringe thrives off of natural texture. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026

The Benefits of Using Paper Bags as Mulch Adding this natural mulch to your garden beds has many benefits that will keep your beds clean, healthy, and thriving. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 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