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

Examples 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 crash took place around 3 a.m. in Piedmont, a small affluent area community enclaved by Oakland in Alameda County and the cause of the crash remained under investigation by law enforcement Monday. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024 In 2016, rebel forces only controlled some peripheral neighborhoods, while the regime held on to the core and more affluent areas. Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
Catering to the affluent often means competing with rivals to offer more diverse products, fighting the constant threat that clients can move their money elsewhere. Will Daniel, Fortune, 16 Aug. 2024 Global instability continued into 2023, but the affluent still expanded in almost all major regions. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for affluent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affluent
Adjective
  • The offerings found inside the tombs of the building indicate that their occupants were wealthy and of high social status.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Though Luigi Mangione comes from a wealthy and prominent family, anonymous online donors have chipped in thousands of dollars to fund his legal defense against charges connected to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
    Nick Penzenstadler, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Wilson Park Creek Wilson Park Creek is the Kinnickinnic River’s main tributary.
    Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024
  • As Austin grew, however, additional streets were named after minor Texas streams, creeks and tributaries.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 3 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • The moment is at once rich with relief and freighted with ominousness: Lady Liberty is filmed upside down.
    Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
  • A little salt balances the sweetness, and chocolate is rich, pleasantly, bitter, sweet and decadent.
    Melissa Gray, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near affluent

Cite this Entry

“Affluent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affluent. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on affluent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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