thrive

verb

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

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 noun

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
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.
Companies that thrive will treat cybersecurity as a catalyst for innovation, embedding trust and resilience into every digital initiative. Paresh Sagar, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 As for Jovic, the challenge is staying healthy and carving out a consistent role in the Heat’s rotation after beginning last season as a starter, then being completely moved out of the rotation, and ultimately thriving in a sixth man role off the bench during the back half of the season. Miami Herald, 14 July 2025 Not to mention, New York’s crime rates and rising costs only compound the challenges for businesses trying to thrive. Mike Dunleavy, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025 Barred owls can dramatically reduce the number of local or native owl species that thrive in San Diego by attacking our local or native owls and/or by consuming native owls’ food resources. The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for thrive

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of thrive was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thrive. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

thrive

verb
thrived or throve ˈthrōv How to pronounce thrive (audio) ; thrived also thriven ˈthriv-ən How to pronounce thrive (audio) ; thriving ˈthrī-viŋ How to pronounce thrive (audio)
1
: to grow vigorously : do well : flourish
2
: to gain in wealth or possessions : prosper

More from Merriam-Webster on thrive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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