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
Debating literary currency The scheme has sparked debate in the affluent city-state over whether cash can truly cultivate a lifelong love for books. — Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026 The affluent coastal community gave its native son 51% of the vote in June, which would have been enough to win the job outright. — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 14 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
  • Lee won his race after portraying Sosnick as a wealthy outsider with investments in fossil fuel companies such as Chevron and Valero.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Purchasing adjacent properties has become a popular strategy for celebrities and wealthy homebuyers in South Florida looking for space and privacy.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • History of Belden Belden was built upon a tributary of the Feather River in the early 1900s, as the Western Pacific Railroad laid its tracks across Northern California.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The Middle Patuxent River runs through the property from north to south, fed by numerous tributary streams.
    — Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Expect light wood accents, rich textiles, white plantation shutters, and framed artwork alongside in-room lending libraries.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Deep underground, groundwater comes into direct contact with iron-rich minerals such as olivine, triggering a chemical reaction called serpentinization.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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