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rich people
wealthy people
super-wealthy people
high-income people
lucky people
elite people
rich foods
fat foods
dense foods
heavy foods
high-calorie foods
high-nutrient foods
rich variety
diverse variety
great variety
extensive variety
amazing variety
wide variety
rich history
vibrant history
immense history
strong history
proud history
extensive history
rich land
lush land

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 Both distilleries showcase Kentucky's rich bourbon heritage, providing distinct yet equally engaging visitor experiences. Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 May 2025 Improbably located right across the street from their humble abode is the upscale manse inhabited by the Falconers, a rich couple (Katherine Waterson, Chris Klein) who’ve raised only child Tiffany (Fina Strazza) to be a particularly stinging WASP. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 May 2025 The Chinese government has put its economy on a path to capturing 45 percent of global manufacturing by 2030, up from just 6 percent in 2000, the U.N. projects; a move that will make China richer and therefore stronger. John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 The Russian dressing, a thick, chunky Thousand Island, is rich enough. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rich
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rich
Adjective
  • Tax cuts that disproportionately benefit wealthier Americans and new tax deductions for tips also are included in the legislation.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Yet by Holly Jackson A famed Y.A. author’s first foray into adult fiction centers on Jet Mason, the wayward daughter of a wealthy Vermont family.
    Laura Thompson, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Salmon Renowned for its delicate flavor and rich nutritional profile, salmon is a versatile fatty fish with many health benefits.
    Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 29 May 2025
  • Other brain health factors that are in your control are focusing on maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet, filled with whole grains, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, fatty fish and other fruits and vegetables, suggests Etienne.
    Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • But Pruitt, who had met Cameron while planning a documentary about him, helped launch a virtual museum—a robust online site with more than 3,700 pages frequented by international scholars—and finally opened a brick-and-mortar location on the original site in 2022.
    Elaine Glusac, AFAR Media, 21 May 2025
  • There were decreases in cities with robust service organizations and some that have leaned more heavily on police.
    Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Incubators aren’t just a fertile ground for entrepreneurs.
    Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • This provided fertile ground for Simion, who has continued to court the MAGA world.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Viewers of that first episode were treated to scenes of the family’s affluent lifestyle in a gated community outside of Atlanta.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
  • Zermatt is one of Switzerland's most exclusive Alpine resorts, visited by affluent European skiers.
    Clare Fisher, People.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Stars got their looks, yes, but a greasy goal from the blue paint never materialized.
    Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 27 May 2025
  • The formula glides on sheer and leaves skin looking luminous, not greasy, thanks to its vitamin C and E infusion, which also helps nourish and condition.
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Major battlefield victories or changes in Russian politics are the most potent weapons, while sanctions can erode morale and resources.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • The film is at its most potent during its brief foray into Mengele’s Nazi past — about halfway through the runtime — taking the form of rare color scenes presented as grainy, celluloid footage shot by the Nazis themselves.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Kaplan is a journalist, former editor-in-chief of the Sunday newspaper supplement Parade magazine, and a prolific author.
    Aliza Knox, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • At Ambulance and Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain producer Dragonfly, which is one of the UK’s most prolific factual producers, Bond oversaw factual dramas including the BBC and Netflix’s Then Barbara Met Alan, which was written by Adolescence co-creator Jack Thorne and Genevieve Barr.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rich. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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