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
  • While farmers fear the land they’re relocated to will be less fertile, workers in river transport — such as Sánchez, who boats people up and down the Indio — fear the project could limit their access to the water.
    — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
  • This fertile period of creative and intellectual life wasn’t even a renaissance, one partygoer declares.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 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
  • Monday Volume for lift without greasy roots Stubbs also recommended Monday Volume Shampoo for hair that needs a boost without weight.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
  • My hair looks healthier and feels way smoother, and my final look comes out polished without any greasy residue.
    — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That's a big deal, considering the potent ingredients in its lineup.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This season, the Bruins have a potent rushing game, a dynamic new starting quarterback and defense that has delivered explosive plays.
    — Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • On his first new music since getting sober, the prolific 30-year-old singer-songwriter offers a sense of adult clarity—and some welcome self-editing.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Richard Riehle, a prolific character actor best known for memorable turns in Office Space, Bridesmaids, Glory, and Casino, has died, Variety reports.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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