thrive
Americanverb (used without object)
verb phrase
verb
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to grow strongly and vigorously
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to do well; prosper
Usage
What does thrive mean? To thrive is to grow and develop strongly. This sense of the word can be applied to people as well as other living things, including animals and plants. Thrive can also mean to be successful, to be fulfilled, or to develop successfully. Both senses of thrive are often discussed alongside the specific conditions, environment, or situation that allow or help someone or something to thrive. For example, babies thrive in loving homes with the proper nutrition and care. Wild animals tend to thrive when their natural habitat is preserved. Plants thrive when they receive the right amount of sunlight and water. A person might begin to thrive in their career when they work at a place where their talents are appreciated and they’re given the freedom to try new things. The adjective thriving can be used to describe someone or something that is developing successfully or that is being successful. Example: Being around other creative people really helps my writing thrive.
Synonym Usage
See succeed.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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thrivesimple
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thrivessimple
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have thrivedperfect
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have thrivenperfect
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has thrivedperfect
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has thrivenperfect
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am thrivingprogressive
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are thrivingprogressive
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is thrivingprogressive
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have been thrivingperfect progressive
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has been thrivingperfect progressive
Past
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thrivedsimple
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throvesimple
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had thrivedperfect
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had thrivenperfect
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was thrivingprogressive
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were thrivingprogressive
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had been thrivingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of thrive
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English thriven, from Old Norse thrīfast “to thrive,” reflexive of thrīfa “to grasp”
Explanation
To thrive is to do well or flourish. If your new cookie delivery business thrives, you'll be rolling in dough — not literally, of course. The verb thrive means to flourish or grow vigorously, and it can be applied to something like a business or to the health of someone or something. Plants can thrive in a greenhouse, and children can thrive if they eat well and exercise. To thrive on or in something can also be used more figuratively — people can thrive on music, listening to their favorite songs all day and others can thrive on art, visiting their favorite galleries and museums.
Vocabulary lists containing thrive
List 3
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The Balcony Scene from "Romeo and Juliet"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Where we once spoke only of affected individuals trying to survive amid gloom, we can now advise them on how to thrive amid hope.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 20, 2026
"Boosting income can transform lives, it creates life opportunities and helps people thrive not just survive," said city council leader, Stephen Simkins.
From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026
But Spielberg wonders: Why must we adapt to harsher conditions if the answer is right in front of us, and all we have to do to thrive is open our eyes?
From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026
Ultimately, Dr. Barish argues that helping children thrive depends less on teaching specific skills and more on fostering emotional strength, confidence, and meaningful relationships.
From Science Daily • Jun. 13, 2026
For all she knew, he’d conned some poor honest trader out of his life savings to make the Crow Club thrive.
From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
