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 As housing prices have skyrocketed, so too have property tax bills, despite homeowners feeling no richer. — M. Nolan Gray, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026 In a region as rich with archaeological sites as the American Southwest, the inadvertent disturbance of Native American remains occurs with some regularity. — Ryan Devereaux, ProPublica, 2 Nov. 2026 Almonds are also rich in vitamin B and magnesium, which play an important role in helping cells generate energy. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 2 Nov. 2026 The modeling suggested to Protopapa’s team that 3I/ATLAS was composed of sub-micron grains of dirty water-ice, rich in dust. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • For families The Peninsula appeals to wealthy leisure travelers and C-suite business types, but families are welcome.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Something that looms large is wealthy business titans trying to exert profound, direct influence over American politics and policies.
    — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The ultra-lean trimmings imported on the cheap have been frozen, possibly for years, intended to be mixed with fattier domestic meat to make ground beef.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 2 Nov. 2026
  • For example, lean meat like turkey might benefit from the richness of cream, whereas a fattier meat like pork might be better off with milk (or water, or stock).
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The bank says demand for ships remains robust and the stock is too cheap to ignore.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Puna has a fusion feel , sliding flavors and spices from Munoz’s international travels into Peruvian classics like a robust sudado, and zippy ceviche.
    — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Keepers removed both eggs and placed an egg from a fertile pair in their nest.
    — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Many songs here invert the notion of a ghost in the machine; Shy assumes the role of the femmebot on the fritz, while the productions—overseen by Karma Kid and Casey MQ—are like the contents of a fertile petri dish.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Majid has found work as the babysitter to Gabriel, the three-year-old son of an affluent French family.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Low-income students were more likely than their affluent peers to vote for Democrats.
    — Sara Suzuki, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Formulated specifically for redness- and acne-prone skin, it’s packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients, including a soothing peptide and bisabolol, to help keep ruddiness and flare-ups in check, while glycerin hydrates skin without feeling greasy.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Odele’s formula is light, sulfate-free and made with amaranth and rice protein to add a little volume without leaving roots greasy.
    — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 10 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Wedding that feeling to new age isn’t especially a novel idea these days, but Rapid Response is a great reminder why that approach was so potent in the first place.
    — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Ramirez made several open field flag grabs using her technique and a usually potent El Camino Real offense was left staggered.
    — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • If each entry represented a victim, Kraft would rank among the most prolific serial killers in US history.
    — Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Gunn rose to fame as the blockbuster filmmaker behind Guardians of the Galaxy, while Safran is a prolific producer on numerous DC and horror titles.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 9 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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