RICH Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

rich

adjective

ˈrich

Definition of rich next

as in wealthy

having goods, property, or money in abundance you would have to be quite rich to be able to afford a home in that neighborhood

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as in fatty

containing much seasoning, fat, or sugar stay away from rich foods before you sing tonight

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as in robust

having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) rich wines complemented the meal

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as in fertile

producing abundantly rich farmland

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Set in 1986, the story follows two brothers, Irwin and Gary Pearl, whose get-rich scheme to help clean up the Gowanus Canal ends in disaster after Irwin (Teller), a nebbish family man, angers Russian mobsters by unwittingly witnessing their criminal activity. —

Ellise Shafer, Variety, 17 May 2026 Though laid to rest with a rich assortment of personal items and grave goods, the presence of substances in her grave spoke to the rituals and treatment of the body after death, revealing practices afforded to the Roman elite. —

Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026 As reported, Gucci is anchoring the core of its business in a strong midprice proposition between 2,000 euros and 3,000 euros, elevating its top tier with distinctive details and richer materials, and redesigning entry level styles without compromising quality. —

Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 17 May 2026 Just off Eleuthera Island’s northern coast, this three-and-a-half-mile isle is perfect for horseback riding by the beach and diving at sites like the Devil’s Backbone, a shipwrecked reef system rich with marine life. —

Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich

Adjective

The report found lower- and middle-income consumers were increasingly pulling back on discretionary spending categories like dining and entertainment, while wealthier households — boosted by strong stock market gains and rising home equity values — continue to spend at a healthy pace.

— Allie Canal, NBC news, 19 May 2026
The film, directed by Paul Feig, stars Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, with Sweeney playing a live-in housemaid on parole for manslaughter who is hired by Seyfried’s wealthy Nina, who has a very shady past of her own.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 19 May 2026

Definition of wealthy

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ribs

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richen

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“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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