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
Trunk Club revolutionized personal styling for affluent men through high-touch, personalized service—customers developed relationships with individual stylists who understood their preferences. Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Premium beer, high-end wines, and RTD cocktails cater to affluent, health-conscious consumers who prioritize quality over quantity. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Noun
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 The author also notes that the illusion of easy prosperity promotes a cycle of self-blame among the poor, benefiting the affluent who are not obligated to assist their less fortunate neighbors. Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for affluent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affluent
Adjective
  • About 40 percent came from families too wealthy to have qualified previously.
    Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 July 2025
  • Newport Mansions, Rhode Island Newport is heavily associated with the Gilded Age, as wealthy families owned summer retreats in this coastal community.
    Michele Herrmann, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Last month, the Army Corps published another notice of its plans to expand the project to a dozen additional sites this summer along the Connecticut River, its tributaries, and one lake and a pond.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025
  • Furthermore, there are more than 7,500 miles of tributaries in Texas’ Colorado River Basin, spanning nearly 39,900 square miles, that feed the river.
    Stephanie Threinen, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • My Feelings is a rare kind of film: emotionally rich, effortlessly paced and surprisingly funny.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Terra-cotta Tiles Terra-cotta tiles are rich, rustic, and wonderfully versatile.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affluent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affluent. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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