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

These mosquitoes thrive in warm cities and can breed in as little as a bottle capful of standing water. — Andrés Henao, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

The Brazil international typically plays as a winger but has been deployed in a central role following the departures of Robert Lewandowski ( out of contract ) and Ferran Torres ( sold to Paris Saint-Germain ), and is thriving. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

As each group grew and thrived, important leaders emerged through the many years. — Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

The next challenge is to ensure that these investments continue to thrive, identify new opportunities, and maintain confidence in the talent and ambition of Spanish audiovisual companies, which now benefit from SETT’s backing. — John Hopewell, Variety, 20 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