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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 Zooey’s mom’s holiday pie starts with an all-butter pie crust, which is prized for its rich flavor. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025 In Spain, where la hora del vermut is a beloved premeal ritual akin to Italy’s aperitivo, vermut culture has evolved to embrace myriad styles, especially leaning into luscious fruit profiles and richer textures. Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025 Most notably, Larry Ellison—Oracle chairman and CTO and recently the world’s richest man—has positioned his family as media power brokers, with his son, David Ellison, leading Paramount’s transformation. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025 The Lakers have the NBA’s richest local TV deal; their agreement with Charter Communications’ Spectrum brand paid the club nearly $200 million for the 2024-25 season. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • Though neither teen was even remotely wealthy, Mouse’s life was blanketed with a security Tupac’s lacked.
    Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
  • At the same time, the state assemblyman’s calls to raise taxes on wealthy people and intense criticisms of the Israel’s military actions in Gaza have unnerved some centrists and conservatives, as well as many Jewish New Yorkers.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sources of fat include oils, nuts, butter, avocados, and fatty fish.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Over time, injecting insulin in the same place on the body can cause changes in the fatty tissue beneath the skin.
    Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The writing world is robust and there are many of us out here writing together.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The report also called out parts of Italy and Africa for failing to implement robust anti-abuse measures.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Succession worries mean that Japan is likely to remain a growth market, and a fertile ground for PE firms hunting for bargain deals.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Traditionally, the north east of England has been regarded as a fertile breeding ground for talent, but its clubs have been rather less good at keeping that talent and rather less good altogether.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But only once has the mercantile danced with the affluent to such sensuous effect in the realm of fiction.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The story centers on Angine (Amir), an affluent but unhappy woman who compulsively shops in an esteemed department store.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This was followed by the fried ravioli, which hit a spot that only a sufficiently greasy small plate can.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
  • While many specialty shampoos and conditioners leave my roots greasy, this was not the case after trying Dae’s version.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The actor had previously met success with the first film in Netflix's The Kissing Booth series, but his searing performance as the nervy, brooding jock Nate Jacobs was among the most potent features that made Euphoria a water cooler hit.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Due to its higher caffeine content, matcha offers a more potent natural energy boost than green tea.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Delving into the tragic murder of Ajike Owens, a Black Florida woman, at the hands of her white neighbor Susan Lorincz, the new film from prolific documentarian Geeta Gandbhir examines issues of race, class, community, and surveillance.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
  • In Isaac McKneely, Louisville basketball has one of the country's most prolific sharpshooters.
    Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rich

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