Definition of richnext
1
2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rich distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rich are affluent, opulent, and wealthy. While all these words mean "having goods, property, and money in abundance," rich implies having more than enough to gratify normal needs or desires.

became rich through shrewd investing

When would affluent be a good substitute for rich?

The words affluent and rich can be used in similar contexts, but affluent suggests prosperity and an increasing wealth.

an affluent society

When might opulent be a better fit than rich?

The words opulent and rich are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, opulent suggests lavish expenditure and display of great wealth, more often applying to things than people.

an opulent mansion

When can wealthy be used instead of rich?

The meanings of wealthy and rich largely overlap; however, 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 rich Filled with marinated chicken in a rich, savory sauce, these dumplings come with a refreshing mint chutney for dipping. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026 Fiber-rich foods paired with protein and healthy fats can also support satiety. Caitlin Beale, Health, 7 Jan. 2026 The sun's rays dance across the rooftops of a city defined by its historic university and which has, without forgetting its rich past, embraced modernity. Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026 For the time being, many of the archipelago’s richest treasures are still buried. Henry Wismayer, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • Now, Waltz steps into the shoes of Henrich Harlander, a powerful and wealthy arms dealer who funds Victor's dangerous experiments.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
  • As the high-end market booms, developers focus on luxury condos to meet the demand of wealthy investors — sometimes from outside Florida — and lower-income families are priced out.
    Deena Sabry, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Among the richest sources are fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna, as well as marine algae and seafood such as oysters.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2026
  • The butt is slightly fattier and tends to fall apart; the picnic is slightly leaner and holds its shape.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • In December, hiring was robust in food services and drinking, health care and social assistance, while the retail sector shed jobs, the BLS said.
    Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • While the agency did agree to hold an public informational hearing, DEEP rejected the request for a more robust adjudicatory hearing, citing issues with the town and Save the Sound’s applications.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Texas is one of the most fertile — and affordable — states to grow your business from the ground up, according to a new analysis that weighs startup costs, taxes and regulatory fees, among other factors.
    Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Curitiba is the capital of the state of Parana which is nearly as large as Illinois and Indiana put together and equally as fertile.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • At Goldman Sachs’ annual At the Helm event, the bank’s affluent clients dropped and did pushups for a Navy SEAL, unfurled their relationship with wealth guru Sahil Bloom, and strategized legacy with Mindy Kaling.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Democrats roared back to roll up big wins in fast-growing suburbs and even some exurbs that are home to legions of affluent and highly educated voters.
    Dave Goldiner, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s blended with moisture-locking sunflower seed oil, white lupin flower extract to improve elasticity, and passionfruit oil for a hit of lightweight, never-greasy nourishment.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Run The Range Hood Hot air and steam carry oil droplets during cooking and deposit them, leaving behind a greasy residue on cabinets, walls, and other surfaces.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This was the company that Thomas Edison built, with a management system so potent that investors once believed it could be applied to light bulbs, nuclear reactors, Saturday Night Live and its opaque GE Capital finance arm with equal results.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Prosecutors said that in December 2024, Mexican authorities raided multiple fentanyl production labs across Sinaloa that were allegedly controlled by the father and son and made the world’s largest ever fentanyl seizure, which totaled more than 3,300 pounds of the ultra-potent drug.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Neither player is a prolific shot-maker from long range, but Green’s dwindling speed advantage is further lessened when he is guarded by power forwards rather than centers on dribble handoffs.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Rob Reiner was a prolific director whose work included some of the most memorable and endlessly watchable movies of the 1980s and ’90s.
    Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on rich

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!