flourish 1 of 2

verb

ˈflər-ish How to pronounce flourish (audio)
Definition of flourishnext
1
as in to thrive
to grow vigorously that plant flourishes in cool, wet weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to succeed
to reach a desired level of accomplishment the arts program flourished once it received adequate funding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flourish

2 of 2

noun

1
as in wave

Related Words
2
as in ruffle

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word flourish distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of flourish are brandish, swing, thrash, and wave. While all these words mean "to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down," flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement.

flourished the winning lottery ticket

When is it sensible to use brandish instead of flourish?

The meanings of brandish and flourish largely overlap; however, brandish implies threatening or menacing motion.

brandishing a knife

When could swing be used to replace flourish?

While the synonyms swing and flourish are close in meaning, swing implies regular or uniform movement.

swing the rope back and forth

When might thrash be a better fit than flourish?

The synonyms thrash and flourish are sometimes interchangeable, but thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement.

an infant thrashing his arms about

When can wave be used instead of flourish?

While in some cases nearly identical to flourish, wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion.

waving the flag

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of flourish
Verb
These items were frequently used to serve food and wine during funeral feasts, with many of the vessels still possessing traces of adhering textiles—an artisanal flourish associated with luxury crafting. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 June 2025 Conspicuous consumption and extravagant flourishes have returned, accompanied by a roller coaster of economic uncertainty. —Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 22 June 2025
Noun
Next, Bok Tower Gardens’ horticulture manager Taylor Walker (a notable fruit aficionado) will discuss the unique microclimate of Central Florida’s Lake Wales Ridge in a presentation about which fruits flourish here. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025 Mattie’s Garden began to flourish, especially the microgreens. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for flourish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flourish
  1. thrive
  2. succeed
  3. wave
  4. ruffle
  5. prosper
  6. shrug
  7. filigree
  8. arrive
Verb
  • 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, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • 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
Definition of thrive
Verb
  • Xiaomi has succeeded, while Apple barely got off the ground.
    — Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The sandwiches are clever, but not where Outlaw succeeds most.
    — Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of succeed
Noun
  • That middle-aged wave of insomnia has taught me not to take restful sleep for granted.
    — Gwen Rockwood, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2025
  • No, corn sweat is not the primary cause behind the heat wave Cincinnati is experiencing this week.
    — Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
Definition of wave
Noun
  • From ruffle styles to retro varsity pairs, classic crew socks, and sheer numbers, these sock sales are ideal for pairing with your favorite loafers, sneakers, Mary-Janes, and even sandals.
    — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
  • Shoppers wear this beautiful maxi dress to weddings, baby showers, cruise trips, and more and love its strapless ruffle style, elastic waist, and flowy silhouette.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
Definition of ruffle
Verb
  • Once the first generation of mom-and-pop motels prospered, the first chain operations arose and followed, targeting travelers who wanted no surprises.
    — Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
  • Law is a sector that can prosper in hostile environments—litigation thrives during both prosperity and adversity, and downtimes can be a boon for countercyclical practices like bankruptcy and restructuring.
    — Liane Jackson, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Definition of prosper
Noun
  • The new round of levies prompted little more than a shrug on Wall Street.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 15 July 2025
  • While some will greet this news with a shrug and point out that Trump Tower is as good a site as any for a base in the city which is hosting your organisation’s most important events, others will be less impressed.
    — Matt Slater, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Definition of shrug
Noun
  • Brooches These beautiful pins, frequently adorned with sparkling rhinestones, intricate enameling, or delicate filigree, were a staple in our grandmothers' jewelry boxes.
    — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
  • There are a few digital filigrees and subtones added by the experimental pop wizard A. G. Cook.
    — Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025
Definition of filigree
Verb
  • Responding to a 911 call placed by the surviving victim, officers with the Austin Police Department arrived at 804 East Braker Lane and found both occupants suffering from gunshot wounds.
    — Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • The flight eventually made its way back toward Tucson, arriving nearly 3 hours after it was initially scheduled to get there, according to Heaton.
    — Shawn Raymundo, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of arrive

Browse Nearby Words

flounders
flourish
flourished
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flourish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flourish. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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