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 Successive rounds give the words increasingly rich representations of themselves. — Quanta Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026 Its infrastructure, which carries rich resources across vast desert terrain, leaves it an easy target for the cheaper one-way drones developed by the Houthis. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026 At least 84 people remained missing in one of the deadliest shipwrecks yet on the popular but perilous crossing from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, where many migrants seek work in rich Persian Gulf nations. — Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026 The image quality is perfectly suited to productivity work, but the optional OLED panel is a superior choice for users seeking richer visuals and smoother motion. — Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • But more than half of the volume, about $62 trillion, of transfers is expected to come from those who are currently wealthy—which together make up only 2% of all households.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Lavie used dating apps to steal from wealthy older men and younger women in Westlake Village, West Hollywood, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, prosecutors said in charging documents.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Better still are the mountain views that surround the lake and the robust collection of wildlife that call this place home, from voles, shrews, and marmots to elk, black bears, and porcupines.
    — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The domestic consumer is discerning and the tourist component robust, too.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • By mid-2013, mass disillusionment with the Brotherhood provided fertile ground for a military comeback.
    — Abdelrahman ElGendy, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
  • As the book shows, into that incredibly fertile downtown atmosphere strode an artist determined to become himself.
    — Sean Wilentz, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Quiet luxury, by invitation Fortune previously reported affluent Gen Z and millennials were prioritizing experiences, wellness, and identity over traditional luxury possessions.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Still, affluent families will be more likely to afford the full scope of additional, out-of-pocket investments, Goldman said.
    — Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil Have cleansing oils left your skin feeling coated in a greasy film?
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The oil itself applies with a buttery glide, absorbs in five seconds, and doesn’t feel sticky or greasy.
    — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • As the age’s potent mix of terror and delirium spun on, designers and illustrators proposed ways to live comfortably in space, underwater or in underground bunkers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The compound also acts as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing unstable molecules that build up in non-healing wounds and cause cellular damage.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Charismatic, handsome and crowned with a mop of curly dark-blond hair, Gortner springboarded from his appearance in the documentary to a prolific acting career that included roles in 15 feature films and more than 20 TV series.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The prolific creator behind such series as Nip/Tuck, American Horror Story, Pose and Love Story cited Glee‘s fans as the reason behind the possible revival.
    — Mariel Turner, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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