1 thrive | Definition of thrive

thrive

verb
\ ˈthrīv How to pronounce thrive (audio) \
thrived or throve\ ˈthrōv How to pronounce throve (audio) \; thrived also thriven\ ˈthri-​vən How to pronounce thriven (audio) \; thriving\ ˈthrī-​viŋ How to pronounce thriving (audio) \

Definition of thrive

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

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from thrive

thriver \ ˈthrī-​vər How to pronounce thriver (audio) \ noun

Synonyms for thrive

Synonyms

burgeon (also bourgeon), flourish, prosper

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

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 new grapes—selected for their ability to thrive in hotter weather and be more resistant to disease—could be the solution the wine industry is looking for. Fortune, "Can New Grapes Save the Wine Industry From Climate Change?," 31 Aug. 2019 But now that this year’s Oscar season is upon us, the company is making a more concerted effort to satisfy its top directors and to give their movies a chance to thrive on the big screen. David Sims, The Atlantic, "Why Big Movie Chains Won’t Show Martin Scorsese’s Netflix Epic," 28 Aug. 2019 In the meantime, the lack of attention to female athletes created an opening for labels such as Lululemon, Athleta, and Outdoor Voices to thrive by serving them. Marc Bain, Quartzy, "The rise in single American women should be great for activewear brands," 28 Aug. 2019 For pro cycling races to thrive and build momentum, the UCI needs to help. Kathryn Bertine, Outside Online, "It's Time for Pro Cycling to Treat Women Equally," 22 Aug. 2019 The women of Kenya’s khat industry have the chance to thrive even as climate change puts other farm industries at risk. Jillian Keenan, Time, "'I Need the Money But I Feel Guilt.' How a Drought-Resistant Crop Turned Women in Kenya into Reluctant Drug Lords," 20 Aug. 2019 Not only did the forest’s native species evolve to survive fire; several of them actually require it in order to thrive. Nicola Twilley, The New Yorker, "A Trailblazing Plan to Fight California Wildfires," 19 Aug. 2019 Akindele thrived Saturday, taking five shots and scoring a goal against his former team. Julia Poe, Pro Soccer USA, "Four things we learned from Orlando City’s 2-0 win at home against FC Dallas," 5 Aug. 2019 On YouTube, their careers — and earning potential — thrived. Julia Alexander, The Verge, "TikTok took over VidCon, and YouTube is next," 15 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'thrive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of thrive

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for thrive

Middle English, from Old Norse thrīfask, probably reflexive of thrīfa to grasp

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for thrive

thrive

verb

English Language Learners Definition of thrive

: to grow or develop successfully : to flourish or succeed

thrive

verb
\ ˈthrīv How to pronounce thrive (audio) \
thrived or throve\ ˈthrōv \; thrived also thriven\ ˈthri-​vən \; thriving\ ˈthrī-​viŋ \

Kids Definition of thrive

: to grow or develop very well : flourish Cacti thrive in dry conditions. Business is thriving.

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on thrive

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with thrive

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for thrive

Spanish Central: Translation of thrive

Nglish: Translation of thrive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of thrive for Arabic Speakers