affluent 1 of 2

affluent

2 of 2

noun

as in tributary
a stream that flows into a larger body of water the Nipigon and the St. Louis rivers are affluents of Lake Superior

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word affluent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of affluent are opulent, rich, and wealthy. While all these words mean "having goods, property, and money in abundance," affluent suggests prosperity and an increasing wealth.

an affluent society

When could opulent be used to replace affluent?

The synonyms opulent and affluent are sometimes interchangeable, but opulent suggests lavish expenditure and display of great wealth, more often applying to things than people.

an opulent mansion

When is rich a more appropriate choice than affluent?

The words rich and affluent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rich implies having more than enough to gratify normal needs or desires.

became rich through shrewd investing

When can wealthy be used instead of affluent?

Although the words wealthy and affluent have much in common, 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 affluent
Adjective
Reporting from Palm Beach, Florida, where power is amassing among the affluent—and among their staff. Emily Witt, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025 Compared to Windows users there is also the notion that Apple fans tend to be more affluent, and that could mean richer pickings once an account is compromised. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
The current credit card system essentially functions as a private tax collection mechanism, extracting billions from the real economy to fund rewards programs that primarily benefit the affluent. Justin Grooms, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2024 The homes of the affluent stood out as the landscape rushed by. Sheikh Saaliq, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for affluent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affluent
Adjective
  • He’s haunted by killing wealthy villain B.J. Vines (John Diehl) in Season 2, and the Ye’iitsoh has been plaguing him.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 14 Apr. 2025
  • One of its largest individual donors this election cycle is Chris Larsen, a wealthy tech investor who founded a large cryptocurrency company.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • McIlroy had a big target from 82 yards with a lob wedge and put it into the tributary of Rae’s Creek in front of the par-5 13th green for a double bogey.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The play becomes a delta itself, where tributary identities—Muslim, Yoruba, traditional, modern—mingle and, when the priest’s hypocrisy is exposed, surge toward confrontation.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The main living areas are located on the ground and second floors, offering expansive reception rooms, intricate plasterwork, and rich period details that have been carefully restored and elevated under Kime’s discerning eye and commitment to authenticity.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Video Other rich countries have not filled the gap.
    Declan Walsh, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affluent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affluent. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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