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 Dusty mauve framed the sides of the square-toed upper, while a richer plum section covered the front of the shoe. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 14 June 2026 There’s an entire salad bowl of chocolate mousse, perfectly bitter and rich, and a Paris-Brest the circumference of a tricycle wheel, with enormous puffs of hazelnut mousse and a dripping seam of blackberry jam. Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 14 June 2026 Port is rich, fruity, and decadent. Emily Price, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 Her rich gentle voice powers songs reminiscent of Kate Bush, Sarah Harmer and Feist, though a feistier Feist. Michael Hollett, SPIN, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • The Season’s characters, entertaining in their obnoxiously wealthy and drama-prone ways but not exactly dimensional, simply aren’t built for close scrutiny.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
  • Targets included wealthy people and politicians, Proper told investigators, according to a criminal complaint.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Eat More Fish and Lean Poultry Instead of fattier meat dishes, try to incorporate more fish and lean poultry into your diet.
    Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 4 May 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Still, other aviation experts said the continual efforts to modify the B-52 suggests more robust and consistent military funding is needed.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
  • Companies want strategic locations, with ready access to their customers and suppliers through a robust network of roads, bridges, ports, and airports.
    Scott Cohn, CNBC, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • The scenario is an old-fashioned when-you-wish-upon-a-monkey’s-paw chestnut, the kind that’s been fertile ground for everybody from Stephen King to The Simpsons.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2026
  • The males — all living in a 200-square-mile area of farms and wilderness outside Naples — seek mates and lead the biologists to large, fertile females holding up to 100 egg follicles.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The iPhone Ultra is a high-margin smartphone that can serve as a lightning rod to attract the highest and most affluent consumers.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • Despite the main attraction outside, the affluent neighborhood has quiet streets and is well-positioned just above the main shopping of the Gran Vía.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream delivers up to 120 hours of hydration in a lightweight texture that won’t feel heavy or greasy.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 2 Dec. 2025
  • Benjamin likes to use a mild dish soap to clean greasy kitchen vents.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • At the same time, the Houthi movement, supported by Iran, remains a potent force in northern Yemen.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2025
  • Yet Cloud Dancer plays an equally indispensable role anchoring the Tropic Tonalities palette, where the white feels like a safe, comforting choice in the context of visually potent pigments like Paradise Pink and Kiwi Colada, among others.
    Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 4 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite being one of the most prolific child actors of the 1960s, what he was connected to more than anything else was music.
    Jim Axelrod, CBS News, 14 June 2026
  • India is home to the world’s most prolific filmmaking industry.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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