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

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
Many Johnson County residents spent years unaware of the small, unmarked creek that flows through a golf course in Leawood and in southern Overland Park, in one of the most affluent areas of Kansas’ wealthiest county. Sarah Ritter, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026 The company has since opened more locations in Old Saybrook, Plainville, Windsor Locks and Wethersfield, and Puka said the target has been to maintain quality standards — even when rental rates in an affluent market like Old Saybrook are significantly higher than at other locations. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 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
  • The tech mogul has admitted to meeting Epstein over dinner several times to discuss the prospect of convincing the latter’s wealthy connections to donate to global health initiatives.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • George Welsh’s father, James, was a prominent and wealthy real estate magnate in Kansas City.
    Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • On the Columbia River and its tributaries, the party had to dig out five new canoes and then paddle them through treacherous rapids.
    Craig Fehrman, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026
  • That matters because snowpack makes up the bulk of the state’s water supply; Colorado is heavily dependent on surface water in rivers and tributaries fed by melting snow in the soaring Rocky Mountains, in addition to backup supplies in reservoirs.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • When the season ends, so, too, does their romance; the couple do not reunite until seven years later, when Laure is at loose ends and Erica is married to a rich man and planning to have children.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Under a clear dark sky at Nestldown, representatives of the Los Gatos business community shone like unique stars in tailored suits and dresses of rich satin, tulle and lace.
    Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Affluent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affluent. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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