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
While affluent shoppers continue to snap up Ralph Lauren linen shorts and prestige beauty products, lower-income consumers are stretching budgets at Taco Bell and Ross Stores, pairing value meals and discount apparel with essential purchases. Juveria Tabassum, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Another option could be the Cotswolds, an affluent, rural part of the central England countryside. Max Foster, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 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
  • The pair also meet Sheriff Kerry Kane (Kelly Macdonald) and her wealthy, deeply suspicious father-in-law William Macon (Garret Dillahunt), who possesses an unusual amount of knowledge about aliens.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond being a relatively wealthy, stable and democratic country with vast fishing grounds, Iceland could have joined the bloc relatively quickly.
    Kwiyeon Ha, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • An ice and rock avalanche from a high-altitude glacier may have triggered the flooding, with a large volume of debris entering the Lende Khola tributary, researchers have said in a preliminary assessment.
    Josh Feldman, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Preliminary evidence suggests a large volume of ice and rock may have plunged into the Lhende Khola, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi River.
    Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • So these ingredients can significantly boost fiber intake without adding traditional fiber-rich foods.
    Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Norman is the 26th richest member of Congress, including both the House of Representatives and the Senate, according to Quiver Quantitative Live Net Worth Tracker's list.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Affluent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affluent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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