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
Central London has become a parallel retail arena for Grand Prix week, targeting international visitors and affluent domestic consumers already primed to spend. Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Guests are mostly young, affluent couples from the United States or Western Europe. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 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
  • Swift’s name came up as a possible wealthy benefactor to pay for a new football stadium in Kansas City.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Some wealthy suburbs were too small for the MoneyLion ranking.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Rough weather rolled over the Colorado community of Evergreen on Wednesday night, swelling Bear Creek and tributaries and tossing debris and mud into homes and downtown.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • The property features over a mile of frontage along Fall River and controls two of the river’s primary spring-fed tributaries — Spring Creek and Lava Creek, according to Hall and Hall.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • White jeans offer much more leeway to play with poppy seasonal colors or rich textures, like raffia, suede, and leather.
    Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 8 July 2026
  • Much of that praise is thanks to its rich history, artistic treasures, and delicious food and wine, which often comes from the nearby hills of Chianti and Montalcino.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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