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 Now, voters in the oil-rich Canadian province are deciding whether to take the first step toward a future referendum on independence. — Sheena Rossiter, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026 Back on Broadway 15 years after its premiere, plus another seven from when the bulk of its action is set, Jon Robin Baitz’s rich-family-with-secrets play is, in its current form, at best a trippy experience. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026 The spectra of brown dwarfs seen by SPHEREx allowed the team to determine that their atmospheres are chemically rich in water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Now the tiny, oil-rich country wants to bring that approach to its mainland and eliminate malaria altogether. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • And one health care consultancy that finds doctors and mental health care for wealthy families charges retainers starting at $30,000 for 50 hours.
    — Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • As trust in America weakens further, other wealthy nations will make the same calculation.
    — Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • The most robust evidence in the field is a study published in JAMA Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery in 2024, which looked at airflow during mouth occlusion in more than 50 patients.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • But Hayden said the Shuckers Union will have a pretty robust sparkling wine menu — one that isn’t just prosecco or just champagne, but the fun sparkling wines found around the world that usually fall in the middle of those two wines’ price points.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • While farmers fear the land they’re relocated to will be less fertile, workers in river transport — such as Sánchez, who boats people up and down the Indio — fear the project could limit their access to the water.
    — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
  • This fertile period of creative and intellectual life wasn’t even a renaissance, one partygoer declares.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Founder Philip Manghisi tested the market through seasonal pop-ups before committing to a permanent location, citing Park City’s affluent customer base and limited luxury retail competition.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • During his stint as president from 2006 to 2010, the company sold predominantly $200 and $300 jeans to affluent department-store shoppers with household incomes around $250,000.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Monday Volume for lift without greasy roots Stubbs also recommended Monday Volume Shampoo for hair that needs a boost without weight.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
  • My hair looks healthier and feels way smoother, and my final look comes out polished without any greasy residue.
    — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That's a big deal, considering the potent ingredients in its lineup.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This season, the Bruins have a potent rushing game, a dynamic new starting quarterback and defense that has delivered explosive plays.
    — Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • On his first new music since getting sober, the prolific 30-year-old singer-songwriter offers a sense of adult clarity—and some welcome self-editing.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Richard Riehle, a prolific character actor best known for memorable turns in Office Space, Bridesmaids, Glory, and Casino, has died, Variety reports.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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