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 And for a quick (albeit temporary) fix, humectant- and emollient-rich moisturizers help to plump the skin, allowing for an overall smoother look. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026 Overall, these three fragrances are formulated to feel light and subtle rather than heavy and rich. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 28 Sep. 2026 Elon Musk’s net worth has increased by some $300 billion this year alone—more than the second-richest person, Larry Page, even has to his name. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026 Page, who lives in Palo Alto, was the wealthiest person in California in 2026, according to the Forbes list of the 400 richest people in America. — Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • Lee won his race after portraying Sosnick as a wealthy outsider with investments in fossil fuel companies such as Chevron and Valero.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Purchasing adjacent properties has become a popular strategy for celebrities and wealthy homebuyers in South Florida looking for space and privacy.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 25 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
  • By shifting more functionality into the target, FLARE is designed to enable a simpler, more robust driver, reducing component stress, maintenance and downtime.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Yet the overall foundation response to the current crisis continues to be much less robust than during the pandemic, even as endowments have generally grown in recent years due to the strong stock market.
    — Phil Buchanan, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The question proved fertile ground for a designer already known for making leather do unexpected and gorgeous things.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The fertile plains of Punjab are a world apart from the Appalachian Mountains, to which country music traces its roots.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Even here in the Dovners’ affluent apartment, there was no pretending.
    — Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Rob Edwards helps affluent families preserve and grow their wealth while turning their Florida move into a strategic wealth advantage.
    — Rob Edwards, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • The formula pairs urea with moisturizing and barrier-supporting ingredients in a rich cream that softens dry hands and cuticles without leaving behind a greasy finish.
    — Danielle James, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Introduced crawling through the Trask family’s field, her black blood spattering their rich soil like a human pesticide, Cathy personifies the series’ potent blend of dread and beauty.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
  • But increasingly, Americans are turning to newer, more potent products made with a semi-synthetic kratom derivative, 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH.
    — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Perhaps a one-two with prolific auteur Östlund is standard practice for one of Sweden’s most famous journalists, but an ensuing Oscar campaign?
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The prolific designer has put his touch on Barbie and Ken dolls.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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