RICH Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

rich

adjective

ˈrich

Definition of rich

as in wealthy

having goods, property, or money in abundance you would have to be quite rich to be able to afford a home in that neighborhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fatty

containing much seasoning, fat, or sugar stay away from rich foods before you sing tonight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in robust

having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) rich wines complemented the meal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fertile

producing abundantly rich farmland

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Definition of wealthy

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

Definition of fatty

Adjective

The Ahmanson’s work pairs sumptuous costumes, storybook scenery and robust singing with broad, disconnected acting that leaves the musical’s romantic transformation emotionally unconvincing.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
Her young players were in the bleachers supporting her Friday, among a robust crowd of townsfolk and USJ students.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of robust

Adjective

The backstory This property has quite the history—originally built in 1868, its roots date back to the Gilded Age era when affluent families summered here (and big names like the Vanderbilts and the Astors took up residence nearby).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
Lamont and Republican gubernatorial contender Ryan Fazio, both from the affluent Fairfield County suburb of Greenwich, share the conviction that taxing the rich would spark an exodus of wealthy households from Connecticut.

— Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of affluent

Adjective

Unlike a traditional body lotion, the moisturizer’s lightweight, milky texture softens skin, smooths rough patches, and relieves dryness sans the greasy film.

— Madison San Miguel, Allure, 30 Oct. 2026
Sanitize solution appears to be greasy and the towels are not clean.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of greasy

Adjective

His love of his family is palpable, but his alcoholism, violent temper, philandering and anger are just as potent.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026
The most potent version of Lucid’s impressive debut model is the Air Sapphire, which features a tri-motor powertrain—one unit is positioned up front, the other two on the rear axle—that produces a hypercar-like 1,234 horses.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of potent

Adjective

Luka Doncic had 45 points, a season-high 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals in another prolific performance while leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 131-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.

— CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
The Trojans now have Jazzy Davidson, who can do a little bit of everything, and a potentially prolific freshman scorer in Saniyah Hall.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of prolific

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richen

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“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of rich

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