flourishes 1 of 2

Definition of flourishesnext
present tense third-person singular of flourish

flourishes

2 of 2

noun

plural of flourish

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of flourishes
Verb
This time around, his recording studio morphed from a playground into a haven, its familiar walls allowing the type of creativity that only flourishes in private spaces—a luxury for the band at that time. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2026 Alyssum also flourishes beside rosemary in an herb garden. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2026 The black market drug trade flourishes inside prisons that are under 24-hour surveillance. Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Mar. 2026 When innovation flourishes so does a desire for design, as evidenced by the success of the Atlanta Design Festival, which launched in 2007 and brings exhibitions, expert panels, and architecture tours to the community. Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2026 After more than 30 years, Wimberley Glassworks still flourishes and its gallery is bursting with color—plates in kaleidoscopic shades, delicate pieces glowing brightly on tables, sculptures fanning out in rainbows over the walls, as if outraged by the white paint. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026 Antisemitism flourishes when truth is rewritten and identity is untethered from history. Calev Myers, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2026 Cartel power flourishes where corruption, poverty and demand intersect. Andy Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 The Grant extends this vision into the field of image making, reinforcing the belief that creativity flourishes when it is structurally supported. Photovogue, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flourishes
Verb
  • Painting is where my queerness thrives.
    Gabe Montesanti, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Jackson has size, speed, a long wingspan and thrives as a press corner in the Horned Frogs’ defensive scheme.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Woodward succeeds Kevin McDonnell, who will be stepping down from the role, as announced earlier this year.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • But what happens outside the clinic often determines whether that plan succeeds.
    Uché Blackstock, STAT, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Last summer, during the bombing campaign against Iran, the Islamic Republic retaliated against Israel with large waves of ballistic missiles.
    Garrett M. Graff, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2026
  • But different stages of life offer their own distinct waves of light for artists to shift into shapes, and an appreciation for build-ing off work by preceding writers can also be found in this year’s collection.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In moments like these, KAVARI carves intricate filigrees out of monolithic blocks of sound, keeping the spiky moments from devolving into overly indulgent harsh noise (for fans of the latter, try her side project EEL BLOOD).
    James Gui, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Mancuso’s cascading lines and shimmering filigrees are dazzling, yet almost instantly bring to mind the work of Beck, Vai, Eric Johnson, Eddie Van Halen and other legends who inspired him.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • As another Tax Day arrives, the average refund this year is $3,462, up 11%, or around $350, from 2025, according to IRS data.
    Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • In the influencer era, the celebrity memoir arrives almost simultaneously with the scandal itself.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Two centuries later, frills and flounces are back in style on the heels of the cottagecore bedding scene, allowing your bedscape to embrace its softer side.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 Feb. 2026
  • When Hyacinth flounces off to check the hall, Eloise hot on her trail, Sophie begs for a moment of Violet’s time.
    Christina Grace Tucker, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • That is why Florida Republicans are taking the lead to make sure the state prospers as AI advances, instead of letting Silicon Valley write the rules.
    Brendan Steinhauser, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Conditions Boxwood prospers when it is grown in full sun to part shade.
    Lauren Dunec Hoang, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Its fabric looks like chiffon with its drapey fit that flows from top to bottom, and its ruffled collar matches the tiers of ruffles down the skirt.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The front of the top was cropped, while extra fabric floated in ruffles at the back.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flourishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flourishes. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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