affluent 1 of 2

Definition of affluentnext

affluent

2 of 2

noun

as in tributary
a stream that flows into a larger body of water the Nipigon and the St. Louis rivers are affluents of Lake Superior

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word affluent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of affluent are opulent, rich, and wealthy. While all these words mean "having goods, property, and money in abundance," affluent suggests prosperity and an increasing wealth.

an affluent society

When could opulent be used to replace affluent?

The synonyms opulent and affluent are sometimes interchangeable, but opulent suggests lavish expenditure and display of great wealth, more often applying to things than people.

an opulent mansion

When is rich a more appropriate choice than affluent?

The words rich and affluent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rich implies having more than enough to gratify normal needs or desires.

became rich through shrewd investing

When can wealthy be used instead of affluent?

Although the words wealthy and affluent have much in common, 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 affluent
Adjective
The burrito giant plans to increase prices 1% to 2%, a slower pace than inflation, over the next year, the company shared in its earnings presentation last week, with Boatwright telling investors on the earnings call that he was surprised by Chipotle’s affluent, digital native customer base. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026 The ultimate outcome will have substantial ramifications for the affluent suburb, where a series of recent residential projects have many taxpayers looking to put the brakes on new development. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
The conventional wisdom sees meager job growth as largely a result of immigration restrictions and demographics, disconnected from still-healthy GDP-tracking models that capture urgent capex levels and free spending by the affluent. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025 But only once has the mercantile danced with the affluent to such sensuous effect in the realm of fiction. JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affluent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affluent
Adjective
  • Founded in 1951, this was a see-and-be-seen destination for wealthy American travelers and avid sportfishers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Democrats’ Biden-era goals of raising taxes on wealthy Americans and big companies to fund upgrades to health care, education, and clean energy were somewhat stifled by their 50-50 majority.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This one brought us to Rocamadour, a magnificent medieval town in Occitania, set on a cliffside above a tributary of the Dordogne River.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The Winneshiek County dairy with about 330 head of dairy cattle has been cited for two previous fish kill incidents, where manure leaked from the operation into a tributary of Dry Run Creek.
    Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Some of us have guest lectured in his law school class on the Arkansas Constitution, and his passion for our state's rich heritage is evident.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Hiring an experienced guide, such as Eduard Casajuana at Mallorcalpina or Pep Platel at ViuAventura, will result in a richer overall experience.
    Paul Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Affluent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affluent. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

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