adj
Uncommon
thriving
THREYE-vihng
Thriving (adj) means growing or developing very successfully; flourishing. Example: “The city has a thriving arts scene.”
adj
1
Growing or developing very successfully; flourishing.
"The city has a thriving arts scene."
"They run a thriving online store."
How to use thriving
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing very well and growing.
Common pairings
thriving community
thriving economy
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Word forms
- Plural
- thrivings
- Comparative
- more thriving
- Superlative
- most thriving
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The city has a _____ arts scene.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for thriving
living
giving
diving
driving
striving
reviving
reliving
receiving
surviving
deceiving
forgiving
conniving
See all rhymes for thriving →
Frequently asked questions
What does “thriving” mean?
The word “thriving” means growing or developing very successfully; flourishing. In plain terms, doing very well and growing.
How do you pronounce “thriving”?
“Thriving” is pronounced THREYE-vihng (/ˈθɹaɪ.vɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “thriving” in a sentence?
Here is “thriving” used in a sentence: “The city has a thriving arts scene.”
What part of speech is “thriving”?
“Thriving” is an adjective.
Is “thriving” a common word?
“Thriving” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between thriving and surviving?
Surviving means simply continuing to exist despite difficulty, while thriving means growing or developing very successfully and flourishing well beyond mere survival. A thriving business is not just staying afloat but actively prospering.
Can thriving describe people as well as businesses or plants?
Yes, thriving is used broadly for people, relationships, businesses, ecosystems, and communities to describe any of them growing and succeeding strongly. It suggests robust health or success rather than just getting by.
What is the difference between thriving and growing?
Growing simply describes an increase in size, number, or extent, while thriving implies that growth is accompanied by success and good health. Something can be growing without necessarily thriving if the growth is unhealthy or unsustainable.