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 Stretching across western Massachusetts and coming right up to the New York border, the region feels at once pastoral and remote yet still vibrant and culturally rich. Madeline Weinfield, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2026 The ingredients themselves make for a great breakfast, with fiber-rich vegetables to boost the gut, ginger and orange for immune support and antioxidant-rich carrots. Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 14 Sep. 2026 Their answer challenges the popular narrative that America is in a new Gilded Age dominated by a small number of spectacularly rich billionaires. Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026 What if there were another group that, without drawing much attention, had grown collectively thirteen times richer than the Forbes 400? John Lanchester, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • At its heart are two families on different sides of a financial divide who intersect when Ye-ji (Cho Yeo-jeong), a documentary filmmaker married to a wealthy heir, Sang-woo (Zo In-sung), attempts to make a film about labor strife.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
  • He is soon revealed to be Ye-ji’s husband, a wealthy businessman who exudes the breezy confidence that usually comes with money and privilege.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Instead, opt for fattier cuts, like chicken thighs, pork shoulders, or beef chuck, that become tender and flavorful over time.
    Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 6 Sep. 2026
  • If your goal is to get the most omega-3s, choose fattier fish like salmon.
    Merve Ceylan, HEALTH, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • And like Watkins, Jackson is robust, having missed only ten games through injury in three years.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Seaport upgrades Asbury Automotive to buy from neutral Seaport sees robust earnings growth for Asbury.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Coworkers spin up absurd theories about each other, and this setting—the office as the most fertile breeding ground for speculation—allows Park’s absurdities to bend plausibility without breaking it.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The land was also fertile, good for vineyards or wheat when it wasn’t being used for cattle.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Redwood’s affluent clients are prioritizing the comfort that fall offers, both through lower temperatures and fewer crowds.
    Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026
  • According to reports, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to settle in the Cotswolds, an affluent countryside region in south-central England, located about two hours outside London.
    Ashley Hume , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The result is an unusually fluid lotion that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Just steer clear of anything too heavy or loaded with too many oils, which can weigh down the hair and give the roots a greasy look.
    Elise Tabin, InStyle, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Athletic examines what makes this type of punch special and why Garcia, who defends his WBC welterweight title against Conor Benn this weekend, is equipped with one of the most potent weapons in the sport.
    Chris McKenna, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Along with meaningful capital to put toward releases, Legion M’s online community is a potent resource.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The case cast Letby as one of Britain’s most prolific child serial killers.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The prolific costume designer and Southern California native died Monday, according to a tribute posted to his official Instagram page.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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