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

There is access to miles of amazing hiking trails, gin bottle-blue glacial rivers and lakes, and ample opportunity to spot the again-thriving native wildlife. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Only 44% of adults ages 18 to 29 describe themselves as thriving, according to Gallup, 20 points lower than the high measured in 2010. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026

But Kansas City is known for its cold weather later in the season, especially come playoff time, when he’s thrived in the past playing under head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who returned to the Chiefs this year. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Creating space for new generations of Asian and AAPI filmmakers to thrive, without forfeiting the specificity of their experiences, is paramount. — Kai Naima Williams, Variety, 5 Oct. 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