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.
Related Words
See succeed.
Other Word Forms
- thriver noun
- thriving adjective
- thrivingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of thrive
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English thriven, from Old Norse thrīfast “to thrive,” reflexive of thrīfa “to grasp”
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.
Some microbial mats thrive in deep, dark environments by feeding on chemical energy rather than sunlight.
From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026
But the report found that education was not just about academic achievement, but "also comprises equity, inclusivity, and fostering a learning environment where every child can thrive".
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
The AI growth story isn’t over just yet and techs should be able to thrive even if oil prices remain high and the Fed doesn’t cut rates.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
Here are some principles to apply for investing in companies that will tend to thrive in the transformation economy.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026
He could not thrive in a single season forever.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
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.
