thrive

verb

ˈthrīv 

thrived or throve ˈthrōv  ; thrived also thriven ˈthri-vən  ; thriving ˈthrī-viŋ 

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

ˈthrī-vər 

noun

Synonyms

• 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

Great teams thrive when every voice has a path to impact. —Alain Hunkins, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Elevated athleisure Bold, active, and always on the move—Aries thrives in pieces that merge confidence with comfort. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025

Helping new med students thrive Dr. Deeksha Sikri is pathology discipline director for the foundational sciences team. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025

Texas State has also thrived across the board in non-revenue sports, earning the Sun Belt’s Vic Bubas Cup in three of the past four years, which is awarded to the conference’s top-performing athletic department. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 30 June 2025

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