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 Chopped macadamia nuts add a textural element and rich, buttery flavor to a graham cracker crust pressed into a 13x9 inch baking pan. Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026 There’s a saying in the book world that nobody opens a bookstore to get rich. Mark Pearson, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026 Three days of decisions in Washington, Ottawa, London, Frankfurt and Tokyo are widely anticipated to result in unchanged borrowing costs across the club of rich nations, with each central bank seen keeping a hawkish eye on fallout from the Iran war. Craig Stirling, Bloomberg, 25 Apr. 2026 Its rind is nutty, rich, and deeply savory—the most flavorful of the group. Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • Voters may soon be able to decide whether to impose a one-time tax on the state's wealthiest residents, aimed at raising cash to cope with federal cuts and the state budget deficit.
    Steve Large, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But isn’t this, at least in spirit, what many on the left criticize when wealthy taxpayers find ways to avoid paying more?
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Only have fattier or leaner meat?
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
  • However, the difference is largely due to farming practices that produce fattier fish.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Its robust lineup is often highlighted by these in-person events, which fete all manner of talents and their projects, both new and older.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The company claims that the latest announcement bolsters Australia’s industrial capacity, to design, build and sustain key defence assets, while ensuring a robust supply chain.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • California’s fertile farm fields once enticed thousands of Dust Bowl refugees fleeing along Route 66 during the Great Depression.
    Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • This was a fertile area to find an offensive lineman, and Bell was the one who stood out to the Eagles.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In the District of Columbia, even affluent families have access to two full years of prekindergarten, while neighboring Virginia has a far less robust program.
    Moriah Balingit, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Its outdated business model, exorbitant levels of debt, and years of general mismanagement is unloved by investors and out of step with what the market demands today — more premium seating targeting affluent and business travelers.
    Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Lehkonen is a crease-crasher, a garbage collector and a pest, a greasy goal waiting to happen.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The water- and sweat-resistant formula holds up during long days outside, while the lightweight finish stays comfortable without pilling or turning greasy.
    Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • One particularly potent collage combines his portrait and fingerprint with the Japanese imperial chrysanthemum.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Tart cherries contain flavonoids, such as anthocyanins (potent antioxidants that give cherries their color).
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But Boston’s roster currently lacks the type of prolific run-producer — like Devers or Bregman — that can carry an offense when others aren’t hitting.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • What followed was a prolific career spanning more than five decades.
    Marc Malkin, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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