Definition of richnext
1
2
3
4

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 The concentrations of helium-3 are not super high, perhaps only 10 to 20 parts per billion in some titanium rich soils, which retain the helium ions better. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 The next owners will be richer, perhaps even smarter, more sophisticated. Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Many of the risks Gates outlines are specific to richer, Western countries. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Khosla’s group beat out a handful of other bidders, including a group led by billionaire Aditya Mittal, a Boston Celtics stakeholder and a member of one of India’s richest families. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • The pair also meet Sheriff Kerry Kane (Kelly Macdonald) and her wealthy, deeply suspicious father-in-law William Macon (Garret Dillahunt), who possesses an unusual amount of knowledge about aliens.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond being a relatively wealthy, stable and democratic country with vast fishing grounds, Iceland could have joined the bloc relatively quickly.
    Kwiyeon Ha, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • If your goal is to get the most omega-3s, choose fattier fish like salmon.
    Merve Ceylan, HEALTH, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Salmon may be easier to eat as a full meal and can still provide a large amount of omega-3s, especially in fattier species like sockeye and Chinook.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In recognition of their robust potential and need for more support, Sanfic Industria, the industry section of the Santiago Film Festival (Sanfic), launched the Queer Incubator in 2025.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • However, North Carolina’s community college system, low corporate tax rate, robust logistics infrastructure, and site location ultimately tipped the scales in Davie County’s favor.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Like so many small towns, Hempstead, Texas, grew out of fertile farmland.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2026
  • In the Niayes, fertile coastal lowlands between sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean, two women rake the soil side by side amid a light breeze off the water.
    Adrien Marotte, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This modernist gem, tucked away just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco in the affluent Upper Lucas Valley enclave of San Rafael, carries a dual legacy.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Viking caters primarily to affluent, older travelers and offers an extensive portfolio of river cruises, which sets it apart from more mass-market competitors.
    Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This non-greasy, lightweight formula improves scalp health to promote healthy, thicker, and faster hair growth.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
  • This is a player who has been a modestly above-average finisher throughout his career, and has a serious nose for cashing in greasy goals at the net front.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Islamic Republic survived the assassination of its top leaders and weeks of heavy bombing, and found a potent form of leverage in the Strait of Hormuz.
    Mark Osborne, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Packed with potent ingredients like isopropyl cloprostenate, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, this formula nurtures and enhances your brows from the root.
    Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In addition to her prolific TV and film career, she was involved with fundraising for Alzheimer’s research, of which her mother was diagnosed.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Curry had a prolific career spanning stage and screen, earning three Tony nominations for his Broadway work.
    Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!