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

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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 Scraps get turned into a rich soil additive After completing his nine-hour, more than 100-mile (160-kilometer) weekly route, Blanding drops off the waste at Scrap Soils’ partner, Sanctuary Farms in Detroit. — Alexa St. John, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 Inside the building, the involvement from the world’s richest sports league is also clear. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 5 Oct. 2026 The administration’s plan to allow more imports of foreign beef has particularly roiled the agriculture-rich state of Nebraska. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 Villa Pacifica, a Mexican-modern three-bedroom located in the arts-rich Central Highlands city, is in the Centro Histórico area. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich

Adjective

Some commenters questioned why a wealthy donor would bring a prominent university from Pittsburgh to Miami rather than direct more money toward institutions already serving local students.

— Luisa Yanez October 2, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
At issue are certain use cases of Section 351 exchanges, in which wealthy individuals, through an intermediary, create new ETFs with a basket of highly appreciated stocks.

— Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of wealthy

Adjective

Humans are fattier and bulkier than the average rat, potentially further limiting how far these signals can travel, according to Hugh Lee.

— Peter Hall, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026
Instead, opt for fattier cuts, like chicken thighs, pork shoulders, or beef chuck, that become tender and flavorful over time.

— Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of fatty

Adjective

For example, areas with large amounts of petrichor will likely see an increase in mosquitoes, because the smell indicates to these insects that the dry ground is now a moist fertile environment in which to lay their eggs.

— Gregory Wakeman, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026
Every flight to and from the world’s busiest airport offers views of Georgia’s lush forests and fertile fields.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of fertile

Adjective

According to the Berkeley and Oakland police departments, responders arrived at the home Friday morning, soon after receiving reports of gunshots heard in the affluent neighborhood near the UC Berkeley campus.

— Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
The radiant setting is especially attractive to affluent couples from across Asia as well as the US, Australia, and Europe.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of affluent

Adjective

The oil itself applies with a buttery glide, absorbs in five seconds, and doesn’t feel sticky or greasy.

— Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026
The formula pairs urea with moisturizing and barrier-supporting ingredients in a rich cream that softens dry hands and cuticles without leaving behind a greasy finish.

— Danielle James, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of greasy

Adjective

Introduced crawling through the Trask family’s field, her black blood spattering their rich soil like a human pesticide, Cathy personifies the series’ potent blend of dread and beauty.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
But increasingly, Americans are turning to newer, more potent products made with a semi-synthetic kratom derivative, 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH.

— Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of potent

Adjective

Charismatic, handsome and crowned with a mop of curly dark-blond hair, Gortner springboarded from his appearance in the documentary to a prolific acting career that included roles in 15 feature films and more than 20 TV series.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
The prolific creator behind such series as Nip/Tuck, American Horror Story, Pose and Love Story cited Glee‘s fans as the reason behind the possible revival.

— Mariel Turner, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of prolific

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ribs

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richen

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“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rich

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