flourish

To grow strongly, develop well, or become successful.

• The plants flourish in sunlight.
• Her business flourished after she moved online.
• Children can flourish with patient support.

How to use it: flourish in something (These plants flourish in rich soil.); flourish under something (The children flourished under her care.)

Similar words: thrive, prosper

Opposites: wither, decline

Common phrases: flourish in something, flourish under something, continue to flourish, flourish economically

To be active during the time when your work or influence is strongest.

• The poet flourished in the seventeenth century.
• This school of painting flourished during her lifetime.
• Several influential philosophers flourished under the new dynasty.

How to use it: flourish in/during a period (This poet flourished during the king's reign.)

Common phrases: flourish during something, flourish in something

A large, showy movement made to attract attention or impress people.

• He bowed with a flourish.
• She presented the prize with a dramatic flourish.
• The actor's grand flourishes made the audience laugh.

Similar words: gesture, sweep

Common phrases: with a flourish, grand flourish, dramatic flourish

An extra decorative detail, such as a curved line added to writing or a design.

• Her signature ends with a flourish.
• He added decorative flourishes around the title.
• The wooden frame has a carved flourish at each corner.

Similar words: decoration, ornament, embellishment

Common phrases: decorative flourish, ornamental flourish, final flourish