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 Upper East Side’s affluent parents just grow more affluent, their Hamptons lawns more manicured, their strollers taller and more Danish-looking, their immense consumption ever more BPA-free. Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026 The eight-bedroom, 11-bathroom property is located in Bratenahl, Ohio, an affluent suburb roughly six miles northeast of Cleveland. India Roby, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
The fact that my book, in part, tracks the lives of the affluent probably adds to that perception. Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for affluent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affluent
Adjective
  • At its heart are two families on different sides of a financial divide who intersect when Ye-ji (Cho Yeo-jeong), a documentary filmmaker married to a wealthy heir, Sang-woo (Zo In-sung), attempts to make a film about labor strife.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
  • He is soon revealed to be Ye-ji’s husband, a wealthy businessman who exudes the breezy confidence that usually comes with money and privilege.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That allowed sea water to infiltrate freshwater tributaries across the peninsula, especially in lagoons and deltas where clam and mussel farms provided ample prey.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Families can enjoy the tributary and take in the fall foliage at spots like peaceful Wild River State Park and Interstate State Park, which offers clifftop views of the river.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • And the following books represent a rich range of literary earnestness.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Financial details are not been disclosed but sources describe it as a rich deal, with the streamer buying the short story for $1M+ in addition to a script commitment to the adaptation, penned by Binge.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Affluent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affluent. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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