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Definition of thrive

thrive

/θraɪv/
thrive
Adverb:thrivingly
•
Adjective:thriving
•
Past Simple:thrived
•
Past Participle:thrived
•
Present Participle:thriving
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thrive Lexical Profile

thrive Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To prosper, succeed, or do exceptionally well financially, socially, or professionally.

Example

"Small businesses often thrive when local communities actively support independent shops."

2

To grow or develop vigorously and healthily (of a child, animal, or plant).

Example

"These tropical ferns thrive in warm, humid environments with indirect sunlight."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for thrive
Antonyms
View all antonyms for thrive

Word Nuance & Usage

Both regular ('thrived') and irregular ('throve' / 'thriven') past forms exist, though 'thrived' is now far more common in contemporary English.

• Rhymes for thrive

• Nearby Words

thrilling
thrillingly
thrinax
thrive
thriver
thriving
throat

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into Middle English from Old Norse 'þrífa', meaning 'to grasp or get hold of', especially in the reflexive sense 'þrífast' ('to grasp for oneself, prosper').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Thrive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/thrive
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