affluent 1 of 2

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
Kathy and Guy raised Taylor in San Diego The affluent neighborhood of Rancho Santa Fe in San Diego marks the couple’s hometown. Emily Weaver, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025 The film, inspired by the true story of Christopher McCandles, stars Emile Hirsch as a college graduate from an affluent upbringing who decides to abandon his privileged life and venture into Alaska. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
Delivering proportionately more tax relief to those of modest means than to the affluent is a nice thing to do. Stephen J. K. Walters, Baltimore Sun, 16 Mar. 2025 But the affluent of many past periods also invested in the shared betterment of society, understanding that doing so helped justify the existence of wealth inequality. Brian Klaas, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affluent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affluent
Adjective
  • The Valkyries have drawn a different audience from the one that usually brings a wealthy, corporate vibe to this same arena.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • If Musk and his fans are right, Musk would become far wealthier even without any additional shares of Tesla stock.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Boats are still the only way to access remote parts of the river and its tributaries.
    Debra Utacia Krol, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
  • For example, the core curriculum, itself, includes at least investment, insurance, tax, estate, and retirement planning, with loads of tributaries.
    Tim Maurer, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Whole foods rich in natural color are packed with the vitamins and antioxidants growing bodies need.
    Jazmine A. Ortiz, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Romaine lettuce, for example, is richer in nutrients than iceberg lettuce because its leaves let in more sunlight.
    Lauren O'Connor, Health, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affluent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affluent. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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