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
  • Even after the setback, young households remained wealthier than their counterparts were before the pandemic.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The airline sees lots of wealthy customers traveling to and from Broward and wants to cater to them with fancier flights.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 16 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
  • The World Health Organization says its comparison numbers used to interpret the results should not be treated as an absolute line separating fertile from infertile men.
    — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
  • For the first time, researchers managed to turn cloned male mouse embryos into females, giving life to healthy and fertile animals.
    — Gennaro Tomma, Scientific American, 13 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
  • Food fried in beef tallow lands crisper and less greasy than food fried in seed oils, with a deeper savory flavor cooks notice right away.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • As gusty winds begin to flow out of the northeast later this week, the combination of dry air and this offshore breeze will combine into an especially potent and widespread risk for spreading fire through Saturday across nearly the entire state.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • No, the party insists that Republicans are in charge, making voters angry with their handling of the economy and the Middle East, so the culture-war politicking that worked for a decade won’t be as potent in November.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Other standouts include Manon Gage as a trouble-making hippie; a very hungry brown bear; Joy Suprano as a budding feminist who befriends Pamela; and a prolific TV presence who guest stars in the second half of the season.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The feature is co-produced by the Daily Wire — the right-wing media company launched in 2015 by conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro — and Bonfire Legend, a production company formed by prolific producer Dallas Sonnier in 2021.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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