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 florist business has appeared to make the De la Mora family rich though clearly not happy. Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 Liu was styled in a rich chocolate brown gown from Louis Vuitton. Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 15 July 2026 While beautiful, Phu Quoc isn’t as culture-rich as Vietnam’s other regions. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026 Ours was launched in 2021 and conveys a stately elegance, with spacious cabins, marble bathrooms, polished brass fittings, and rich mahogany paneling. Jane Wooldridge, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • Swift’s name came up as a possible wealthy benefactor to pay for a new football stadium in Kansas City.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Some wealthy suburbs were too small for the MoneyLion ranking.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • That means, at minimum, heavy cream contains double the fat content of the fattiest half-and-half on the market.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • Among the richest sources are fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna, as well as marine algae and seafood such as oysters.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Over 10 years, the risk was 78% higher, although the data was not as robust.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Expectations for price increases on iPhones and other Apple devices will also likely affect the company’s ability to build out its robust user base, hurting its services vertical, Vinh added.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • FLiBe is both a nuclear reactor coolant and a solvent for fertile or fissile materials.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
  • Key aspects are the use of waterways and fertile farmland and the seasonal availability of produce.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • Shares of American Express have jumped 8% over the past three months as its credit card business remained robust in spite of geopolitical uncertainties, largely due to its focus on affluent customers.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 13 July 2026
  • Partly because affluent buyers can and are willing to spend more, over one in five homes sold above the asking price in June.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • Nausea is a common side effect of these medications, and heavy, greasy meals can amplify it rather than settle the stomach.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 15, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
  • Holes beyond donut holes and greasy floors pushed a state inspector to fail a Miami Dunkin’ restaurant on inspection last week.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Despite the quality of both sides, the matchup pits the tournament’s most potent attack against its tightest defense.
    Mark Hodge, NBC news, 17 July 2026
  • This defensive strength, anchored by goalkeeper Unai Simon and the dynamic center-back duo of veteran Aymeric Laporte and rising teenage star Pau Cubarsi, presents a significant challenge to Lionel Messi and Argentina's potent attack.
    Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • India has been the most prolific IPO market in the world over the last two years, with the highest number listings, but activity was subdued here during the first half of the year.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • Winkleman, 54, is one of Britain’s most prolific TV presenters, having worked on the likes of Strictly Come Dancing, The Traitors and hosting the Saturday show on BBC Radio 2 from 2020 to 2024.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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