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 These are old-school, fancy-houses rich people; these are not crypto billionaires. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026 The Velvet filter softens the overall contrast and wraps the scene in a warmer, vintage-like tone that makes the blues and purples feel richer. Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026 Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and other fiber-containing foods provide nutrients that support beneficial bacteria. Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026 The election period was unusually tense in the copper-rich southern African nation, which has held largely peaceful votes since returning to multiparty democracy in 1991. ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • Their homes were not like the large estates found in wealthier Colorado mountain towns, but smaller structures where their blue-collar families went to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
  • His playful sophisticated wit was often aimed at his presidency, his wealthy background and occasionally his brothers, Teddy and Bobby.
    John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Arrange chicken in an even layer on prepared baking sheet, fattier side down.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Among the richest sources are fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna, as well as marine algae and seafood such as oysters.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Emery knows that his side are robust when battling adversity yet need to find a way to rectify blind spots in their game, such as the tendency to drift through certain matches and against specific tactical challenges.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • If growth stays robust and financial conditions remain loose, demand could stay strong enough to keep inflation elevated and force the Federal Reserve to raise rates more than investors currently expect.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • By menopause – which typically happens between the ages of 45 and 55 – the remaining eggs are not fertile.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • There are fields of white silence, fertile ground for the imagination to shift them around, find matches or mismatches, wonder about sequences or connections.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Rather than spending months researching guides, securing reservations and coordinating domestic flights, affluent guests are increasingly happy to pay for seamless execution and insider access.
    Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • It’s connected to Hibiscus Island, another affluent community of high-end homes.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • For particularly greasy or oily sections, add a teaspoon or two of liquid dish soap to cut through it.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • That means my greasy microfiber cloths do get washed with my cotton drying towels, along with oven mitts, linen napkins, and the seat pads for my counter stools (my kids somehow manage to trash them every week).
    Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That fire makes for a potent combination with her swimming roots.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • But the most potent redemption on the record is enacted musically.
    Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Semenyo had already completed a prolific season in England’s Premier League, scoring 17 league goals to take over boyhood idol Tony Yeboah’s long-standing record for most scored by a Ghanaian in a single season.
    Andrew McNicol, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Domingo, the prolific actor with an Emmy win and two Oscar and Tony nominations, is set to receive the Vantage Award.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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