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rich people
wealthy people
super-wealthy people
high-income people
lucky people
elite people
rich foods
fat foods
dense foods
heavy foods
high-calorie foods
high-nutrient foods
rich variety
diverse variety
great variety
extensive variety
amazing variety
wide variety
rich history
vibrant history
immense history
strong history
proud history
extensive history
rich land
lush land

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 These make the home a rich complement for the creations of the style’s champion, Victor Horta, whose works are visible at the nearby Horta Museum. New York Times, 10 July 2025 This rich cream also has panthenol and niacinamide for a smooth and bouncy complexion. Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 Now, four years later, 40 square miles of river-floodplain wetlands are now rehydrated, rich wildlife is starting to come back, and the wild system proved its value during 2022’s Hurricane Ian. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2025 The comparatively negligible impact of the billionaire's wedding bill on his total wealth highlights the vast and growing gap between the world's richest individuals and the average American worker. Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • Over the decade that 770 filles arrived in North America, about sixty came from such wealthy households.
    Ann Foster, JSTOR Daily, 9 July 2025
  • Although wealthier residents may have the means to build predator-proof enclosures, others lack the financial or institutional support to do the same.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Cuts of meat from animal muscle contain very little fat, making bones — which contain marrow and other fatty tissue even when an animal is malnourished — a more important resource.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • Fentanyl binds to fatty tissue, but the other two drugs tested don't have the same affinity to fatty tissue specifically, Orbach said.
    Olivia Garrett, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • The former appeals for its charming Victorian architecture and robust bar scene while the latter offers proximity to such family-friendly attractions as the New Children’s Museum, South Embarcadero Esplanade, and several waterfront parks.
    Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
  • Also, smart operational technology (OT) works hand-in-hand with IT which can require a robust foundation of computing, connectivity, data management, and cybersecurity.
    John England, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Winnipeg was fertile ground for Indigenous artists.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Dense with tall, light-swallowing spruce trees and rooted in sodden, fertile ground, the Šumava Forest along the Czech-German border looks and feels like the setting for a Grimm Brothers fairytale: a place out of time, modern civilization and, seemingly, cellphone range.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Trunk Club revolutionized personal styling for affluent men through high-touch, personalized service—customers developed relationships with individual stylists who understood their preferences.
    Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Premium beer, high-end wines, and RTD cocktails cater to affluent, health-conscious consumers who prioritize quality over quantity.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The serum for greasy skin has salicylic acid; for pigmentation has niacinamide; for first signs of aging has bakuchiol, and for advanced signs of aging has retinol, at 0.3 percent.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
  • The wrenches are made of S2 grade steel with a grippy rubber coating meant to provide purchase for greasy hands.
    Gabriel Morgan, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • That’s a potent incentive to take your vacation and come back to work energized.
    Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Much like its approach to skincare, Korean hair care is rooted in a philosophy of prevention, nourishment, and layering lightweight yet potent formulas.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • There have been other prolific receiving combos for the Bucs.
    Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025
  • During his prolific seven-decade career, Wright designed more than 1,000 buildings, about half of which were realized.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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