affluent 1 of 2

Definition of affluentnext

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
The main one, on 76 acres in an affluent suburb, resembles a small college. ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026 Creasy and the Rayburns live in an affluent neighborhood surrounded by towering condo buildings. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
The conventional wisdom sees meager job growth as largely a result of immigration restrictions and demographics, disconnected from still-healthy GDP-tracking models that capture urgent capex levels and free spending by the affluent. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025 But only once has the mercantile danced with the affluent to such sensuous effect in the realm of fiction. JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affluent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affluent
Adjective
  • Voters may soon be able to decide whether to impose a one-time tax on the state's wealthiest residents, aimed at raising cash to cope with federal cuts and the state budget deficit.
    Steve Large, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But isn’t this, at least in spirit, what many on the left criticize when wealthy taxpayers find ways to avoid paying more?
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The dirt-only diamond was loamy and soft and home plate was totally submerged in a muddy puddle, a tributary of which also snaked down the third-base line.
    Chang-rae Lee, New Yorker, 3 May 2026
  • The simple gym room is equipped with an elliptical, a couple treadmills, and weight-lifting systems, all with views of a glistening tributary of the Cubango River that flows through the property.
    Samantha Falewée, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Disunion is as rich a vein in American political history as union is.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • As the sun set below the tree line, the warm wood paneling turned a rich brown color that complemented the rattan light fixtures hanging above, giving the space a modern yet warm feeling.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Affluent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affluent. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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