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 But others have long since disappeared, leaving behind ash, lava, tuff, and mineral-rich soils that influence some of Italy’s most compelling wines. Layne Randolph, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 Filming is underway between the Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez and the Hôtel Martinez in Cannes and Monaco, with a season focused on the adventures of the ultra-rich and famous during the one of the most glamorous cinema events of the year. Eliza Prosperini, Vanity Fair, 31 May 2026 This means the plant is ready to be transplanted into a pot or directly into your garden with good, nutrient-rich soil. Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 31 May 2026 Creamy, crunchy, rich and a little tart all at once. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • Darboven was a wealthy woman who never left home and used acquisition agents.
    Erika Landström, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • With higher prices and a looming billionaire wealth tax, the Golden State continues to see both working-class residents and wealthy business owners leaving for more affordable cities.
    Lindsay Kornick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Eat More Fish and Lean Poultry Instead of fattier meat dishes, try to incorporate more fish and lean poultry into your diet.
    Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 4 May 2026
  • Only have fattier or leaner meat?
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The modest growth was partly driven by robust investment in data center machinery and equipment, the statistics bureau said.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 June 2026
  • Before the Seventies, New York’s social safety net was relatively robust.
    Kevin Lozano, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • As those creative juices start flowing, the superstar comedian realizes her illness might be fertile ground for a new special.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 29 May 2026
  • Try to plant it in fertile humus or neutral soils near water sources, and cut your plants back to ground level after first frost.
    Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • These figures likely understate the true advantage because affluent families can afford test preparation services that boost scores in the first place.
    Prasad Krishnamurthy, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • The mayor of an affluent suburb of Los Angeles pleaded guilty to acting as an agent of the Chinese government last month.
    Julia Press, Bloomberg, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • The key is choosing unsaturated fats over the fried and greasy options that tend to trigger side effects.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026
  • Another factor to note is the color and texture of the flakes themselves; dandruff tends to be yellowish-white, fine, and greasy, while psoriasis produces flakes that are silvery-white, thick, and dry.
    Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • Formaldehyde often forms when methane, a potent planet-heating gas, is destroyed in the atmosphere.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Those chips pack the desirable, potent Intel Arc B390 graphics.
    John Burek, PC Magazine, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • The most prolific home-run hitting team in University of Kansas baseball history displayed its power early in the Jayhawks’ 6-3 NCAA baseball regional tournament victory over Northeastern on Friday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
  • Both of those benchmarks should be shattered this season, barring the nagging injuries that have plagued his otherwise prolific career.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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