Definition of richnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word rich distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rich are affluent, opulent, and wealthy. While all these words mean "having goods, property, and money in abundance," rich implies having more than enough to gratify normal needs or desires.

became rich through shrewd investing

When would affluent be a good substitute for rich?

The words affluent and rich can be used in similar contexts, but affluent suggests prosperity and an increasing wealth.

an affluent society

When might opulent be a better fit than rich?

The words opulent and rich are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, opulent suggests lavish expenditure and display of great wealth, more often applying to things than people.

an opulent mansion

When can wealthy be used instead of rich?

The meanings of wealthy and rich largely overlap; however, wealthy stresses the possession of property and intrinsically valuable things.

wealthy landowners

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 rich While most Players Era participants were guaranteed up to a $1 million in athlete NIL compensation, Kansas landed an even richer three-year deal. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 29 Mar. 2026 The helpless and much persecuted turtles were cooked in a rich, creamy soup with chunks of meat. James Stout, Outside, 29 Mar. 2026 What that means is that a rich guy like Elon Musk pays the same amount into Social Security as his plumber does. Tom Margenau, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026 Bring in the people of color as investors who can re-create a 21st century district that would become a safe and rich haven for entertainment and commerce. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • Instead of becoming wealthy through oil, the people of the Niger Delta have paid a heavy price for it.
    Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
  • On the other hand, clearly this is not very popular with extremely wealthy individuals who help fund campaigns.
    Brad Hamilton, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Most lumps such as these are noncancerous lipomas, or fatty tumors, and a decision on whether to remove them is based on whether the lumps interfere with movements or threaten other issues.
    Joan Morris, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Key Takeaways Factors for freezing fish include whether the fish has been previously frozen and how fatty the fish is.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • There is a robust civil process, overseen by state and local elections officials, to request a recount or challenge the results of an election.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
  • In addition to his robust campaign fundraising, Holland has been able to bring on the head of the local Republican Party, Matthew Kay, as his campaign chair.
    Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Security strengthens as finance-conscious Venus conjoins fertile Chiron in your 2nd House of Logistics, bolstering your capacity to be practical without losing that characteristic Pisces whimsy.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Western tolerance and complacency prove fertile ground for radicalization.
    Tareq Alotaiba, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Ballantyne East Located in south Charlotte, Ballantyne East is an affluent area home to more than 10,000 residents.
    Chase Jordan March 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The risk is that language study becomes more stratified, remaining common in private schools and affluent districts while shrinking elsewhere.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Avoid greasy, high-fat and highly seasoned foods.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Rather than leaving oil in your hair throughout the day, applying it generously before shampooing allows the essential oils to sit on the scalp and penetrate the hair without leaving you looking greasy.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But Newman had a hunch that when soil dries up, the antibiotics bacteria use to wage war might become more potent, simply because of evaporation.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The launch indicated Iran’s missile arsenal was more potent than previously believed.
    Jiachuan Wu, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Star guards lead the charge Johnson and Latson are a prolific and formidable duo, and dominating backcourt play has been a staple for the elite in this sport.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Mar. 2026
  • But the Falcons broke through early in the second period, with Brooklyn Riley scoring on the Falcons’ prolific power play just a minute into the frame.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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