Definition of richnext
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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 Now, voters in the oil-rich Canadian province are deciding whether to take the first step toward a future referendum on independence. — Sheena Rossiter, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026 Back on Broadway 15 years after its premiere, plus another seven from when the bulk of its action is set, Jon Robin Baitz’s rich-family-with-secrets play is, in its current form, at best a trippy experience. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026 The spectra of brown dwarfs seen by SPHEREx allowed the team to determine that their atmospheres are chemically rich in water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Now the tiny, oil-rich country wants to bring that approach to its mainland and eliminate malaria altogether. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • Even after the setback, young households remained wealthier than their counterparts were before the pandemic.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The airline sees lots of wealthy customers traveling to and from Broward and wants to cater to them with fancier flights.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, earnings from AI chip suppliers like Taiwan Semiconductor indicate the broader demand environment remains robust.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Amphenol Another robust quarter ahead, analyst Wamsi Mohan, wrote earlier this week ahead of the electronic connector manufacturer's quarterly report.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The World Health Organization says its comparison numbers used to interpret the results should not be treated as an absolute line separating fertile from infertile men.
    — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
  • For the first time, researchers managed to turn cloned male mouse embryos into females, giving life to healthy and fertile animals.
    — Gennaro Tomma, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The men talked about who would assault the woman beforehand, took photos and recorded the assault, which was also seen on a security system feed at the home in Sullivan's Island, an affluent suburb of Charleston, state agents said.
    — MEG KINNARD, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Getting affluent early adopters on board now could be considered a win given the macro headwinds.
    — Kif Leswing,Annie Palmer,Jordan Novet, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Food fried in beef tallow lands crisper and less greasy than food fried in seed oils, with a deeper savory flavor cooks notice right away.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil Have cleansing oils left your skin feeling coated in a greasy film?
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • As gusty winds begin to flow out of the northeast later this week, the combination of dry air and this offshore breeze will combine into an especially potent and widespread risk for spreading fire through Saturday across nearly the entire state.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • No, the party insists that Republicans are in charge, making voters angry with their handling of the economy and the Middle East, so the culture-war politicking that worked for a decade won’t be as potent in November.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Other standouts include Manon Gage as a trouble-making hippie; a very hungry brown bear; Joy Suprano as a budding feminist who befriends Pamela; and a prolific TV presence who guest stars in the second half of the season.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The feature is co-produced by the Daily Wire — the right-wing media company launched in 2015 by conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro — and Bonfire Legend, a production company formed by prolific producer Dallas Sonnier in 2021.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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