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 The proposals appear to be part of a last-ditch attempt by energy-rich Oman, which has previously mediated between Washington and Tehran, to avert a broader escalation of the war. Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026 Thankfully, many grocery stores known for their more affordable prices are also carrying plenty of protein-rich options these days. Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2026 Or a sand suede style that makes a simple outfit look so much richer. Alex Sales, Glamour, 5 Apr. 2026 The blend of brown and copper gives hair a natural-looking, rich, warm color. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • The tech mogul has admitted to meeting Epstein over dinner several times to discuss the prospect of convincing the latter’s wealthy connections to donate to global health initiatives.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • George Welsh’s father, James, was a prominent and wealthy real estate magnate in Kansas City.
    Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Most lumps such as these are noncancerous lipomas, or fatty tumors, and a decision on whether to remove them is based on whether the lumps interfere with movements or threaten other issues.
    Joan Morris, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Key Takeaways Factors for freezing fish include whether the fish has been previously frozen and how fatty the fish is.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Not to mention the robust grassroots hockey system for girls hockey in the area, with programs such as Little Caesars and Honey Baked already represented in the league by Boston Fleet captain Megan Keller, and top prospect Kirsten Simms.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The other is driven from the top, where production-grade use cases demand robust data infrastructure, engineering rigor, and governance.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This hybridization resulted in Bradford producing fertile fruit through cross-pollination from other cultivars.
    Campbell Vaughn, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The rolling hills near Nebo, Illinois, contain more than 1,200 acres of fertile mushroom ground.
    Midwest Living, Midwest Living, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Its location in one of the state’s most affluent coastal cities is one notable aspect.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The series, which stars and is executive produced by Hamm, follows his character, a divorced and jobless hedge fund manager who turns to robbing his wealthy neighbors in an affluent suburb.
    Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Marchessault made it 3-0 after another greasy food item, a piping hot pizza, was served up by Drew Doughty.
    Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Soapy water is her go-to for scrubbing away greasy gunk.
    Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The move took away one of Orlando’s most potent attacking threats, but the Pride continued pushing to find a goal.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Chelmsford’s potent offense will be tough to limit and the Lions will be competitive, while Andover also figures to be a dangerous threat.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But its influence was clear when the Chinese state, the most prolific builder of urban infrastructure in modern history, twice turned Yu’s arguments into policy.
    Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • One of the world's most prolific serial killers, Bundy confessed to murdering at least 30 women and young girls between 1974 and 1978, and investigators suspect that there may be many more victims, as the extent of his crimes (which also included rape and kidnapping) isn't fully known.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.

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