RICH Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

rich

adjective

ˈrich

Definition of rich

as in wealthy

having goods, property, or money in abundance you would have to be quite rich to be able to afford a home in that neighborhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fatty

containing much seasoning, fat, or sugar stay away from rich foods before you sing tonight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in robust

having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) rich wines complemented the meal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fertile

producing abundantly rich farmland

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 As housing prices have skyrocketed, so too have property tax bills, despite homeowners feeling no richer. — M. Nolan Gray, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026 In a region as rich with archaeological sites as the American Southwest, the inadvertent disturbance of Native American remains occurs with some regularity. — Ryan Devereaux, ProPublica, 2 Nov. 2026 Almonds are also rich in vitamin B and magnesium, which play an important role in helping cells generate energy. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 2 Nov. 2026 The modeling suggested to Protopapa’s team that 3I/ATLAS was composed of sub-micron grains of dirty water-ice, rich in dust. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich

Adjective

Agnes’s gay son, Oscar, has decided to marry wealthy widow and former lady’s maid Enid, whose social ambitions will benefit from the prestige gloss of Oscar’s last name.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
But there is another ballot measure that also would tax California’s wealthiest citizens that is getting far less attention — and has even garnered support from some billionaires who oppose Proposition 40.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of wealthy

Adjective

The ultra-lean trimmings imported on the cheap have been frozen, possibly for years, intended to be mixed with fattier domestic meat to make ground beef.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 2 Nov. 2026
For example, lean meat like turkey might benefit from the richness of cream, whereas a fattier meat like pork might be better off with milk (or water, or stock).

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of fatty

Adjective

The Ahmanson’s work pairs sumptuous costumes, storybook scenery and robust singing with broad, disconnected acting that leaves the musical’s romantic transformation emotionally unconvincing.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
Her young players were in the bleachers supporting her Friday, among a robust crowd of townsfolk and USJ students.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of robust

Adjective

All of the projections in the world couldn’t derail you from your mission, and even this most recent trial will ultimately serve as fertile compost for the next major chapter of your career or personal becoming.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
But younger Japanese are now discovering that energy from the Showa Era (1926-1989), the period of Emperor Showa’s reign, when Japanese pop culture was at a fertile peak.

— Mark Schilling, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of fertile

Adjective

The backstory This property has quite the history—originally built in 1868, its roots date back to the Gilded Age era when affluent families summered here (and big names like the Vanderbilts and the Astors took up residence nearby).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
Lamont and Republican gubernatorial contender Ryan Fazio, both from the affluent Fairfield County suburb of Greenwich, share the conviction that taxing the rich would spark an exodus of wealthy households from Connecticut.

— Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of affluent

Adjective

The incident, while unlikely to herald a more widespread outbreak, is a potent reminder of the potential for pathogens to jump from animals to humans—with deadly consequences.

— Sahas Mehra, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026
Dulcich is more of the pass-catching tight end, while rookie Will Kacmarek is the potent blocker.

— David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of potent

Adjective

One had hoped Soderbergh and Pattinson would come together under better circumstances, but the pairing of two of the most prolific artists in Hollywood is still something of a thrill.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, which formed in Melbourne in 2010, is known for its prolific output and genre-hopping style.

— Xander Zellner, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of prolific

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“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of rich

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