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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 Even rich gentrifiers embody both use and exchange values. Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2025 There are some things only money can buy, including a spot on The Forbes 400 ranking of America’s richest people. Thomas Gallagher, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 That decline meant some schools in North Lawndale and elsewhere became tiny, costly to run and unable to offer a rich student experience. Mila Koumpilova, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2025 With the appointment of Soriano Iglesias, Radley has moved into richer, more sophisticated territory, with a broader offer, and its eyes on a younger and more diverse clientele. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • The Valkyries have drawn a different audience from the one that usually brings a wealthy, corporate vibe to this same arena.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • If Musk and his fans are right, Musk would become far wealthier even without any additional shares of Tesla stock.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Category 3: High-fat dairy, refined carbohydrates, fatty meat.
    Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Instead, prioritize sources of heart-healthy unsaturated fats like fatty fish, nuts, seeds, non-tropical vegetable oils, and avocado.
    Isabel Vasquez RD LDN, Health, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Naturally robust, dividing daylilies takes a bit of elbow grease.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Film Festival with a robust lineup led by female filmmakers, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in international cinema through diverse storytelling approaches.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That said, the vast majority of BDCs trade for less than their NAV right now, and most of them sit in the small-cap space, so perhaps there’s more fertile ground elsewhere.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Mums do best in soil that is fertile, moist, and well-draining.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet Curia Capital finds only about 25% of affluent women feel comfortable managing investments compared to 40% of men.
    Joyce Marter, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • North America is the largest market, largely due to its concentration of affluent consumers.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Dip a microfiber cloth into the water and then gently scrub away any greasy spots on your cabinets.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
  • And because Rhode is all about keeping skin health front of mind, the product ensures lasting hydration that never enters greasy territory.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Other than making sure police are contacted, workers are instructed to take safety precautions and make sure that families understand the risk involved with the highly potent illicit drug.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The most demanding users would probably like a more potent machine, like some of the larger options here, but the Blade 14 can largely serve as your mobile media-crunching PC when needed, and normal productivity tasks are mere snacks for it.
    Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Even the prolific scientist and inventor Benjamin Franklin, who would play a key role in both the American Revolution and the foundation of the new republic, took time out of a diplomatic trip to England to visit the intelligent rector.
    Big Think, Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Under Richardson, a 41-year-old former outfielder who stole 331 bases in the minors, the Mets are one of MLB’s most prolific base-stealing teams.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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