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
Silver Creek is closing despite being the only organic grocery serving an affluent area of the city. George Avalos, Mercury News, 27 July 2026 Luxury shoppers in the United States lead the charge, with affluent consumers splashing down cash on fashion and leather goods in the second quarter. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 27 July 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
  • Congressional Democrats and watchdog groups have raised concerns that the group lacks transparency, skirts federal rules and allows companies and wealthy individuals to buy access to the president’s office.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 26 July 2026
  • Patel viewed it more as a high-stakes litmus test of his wealthy audience’s altruism.
    Anna Tong, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • Environmental groups sent a letter threatening to file suit against Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for spills of fuel, sewage and other substances into the Flint River and its tributaries over a period of years.
    Kelly Yamanouchi, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • The fun part was reaching every pole in every neighborhood in a town crisscrossed by tributaries of the Albany River.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Designed to be charming and romantic, rooms have a B&B feel with canopy beds, rich drapery, plush chairs, hardwood floors, and walls adorned with chair rail and crown molding.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Each spoonful was rich and silky, with creamy vanilla pudding coating tender banana slices and vanilla wafers that soaked up enough sweetness to become cake-like.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Affluent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affluent. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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