affluent 1 of 2

adjective

ˈa-(ˌ)flü-ənt How to pronounce affluent (audio)
Definition of affluentnext
as in wealthy
having goods, property, or money in abundance he is affluent and can afford to send his children to the best schools

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 data showed that many of the more affluent schools and schools with a more white student body have higher utilization rates. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026 Cave Creek, a small, affluent town north of Phoenix, leans Republican by comparison. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
The fact that my book, in part, tracks the lives of the affluent probably adds to that perception. — Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for affluent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affluent
  1. wealthy
  2. tributary
  3. rich
Adjective
  • The pair also meet Sheriff Kerry Kane (Kelly Macdonald) and her wealthy, deeply suspicious father-in-law William Macon (Garret Dillahunt), who possesses an unusual amount of knowledge about aliens.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond being a relatively wealthy, stable and democratic country with vast fishing grounds, Iceland could have joined the bloc relatively quickly.
    — Kwiyeon Ha, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of wealthy
Noun
  • That allowed sea water to infiltrate freshwater tributaries across the peninsula, especially in lagoons and deltas where clam and mussel farms provided ample prey.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Families can enjoy the tributary and take in the fall foliage at spots like peaceful Wild River State Park and Interstate State Park, which offers clifftop views of the river.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of tributary
Adjective
  • Between the classic crossbody design, gold hardware accents, and rich color, this purse is anything but basic.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
  • This luxe accent chair invites fall into your home with its rich velvet upholstery and warm cinnamon shade.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of rich

Browse Nearby Words

affluences
affluent
affluently
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Cite this Entry

“Affluent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affluent. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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