Definition of affluentnext

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
Ralph Lauren’s latest quarterly report showed revenue rose 14%, led by demand from younger shoppers as well as affluent ones. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026 Serious crimes in predominantly white or more affluent areas were far more likely to become CMPD priorities, McFadden told The Charlotte Observer in 2018. — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 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
Adjective
  • Some commenters questioned why a wealthy donor would bring a prominent university from Pittsburgh to Miami rather than direct more money toward institutions already serving local students.
    — Luisa Yanez October 2, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • At issue are certain use cases of Section 351 exchanges, in which wealthy individuals, through an intermediary, create new ETFs with a basket of highly appreciated stocks.
    — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Shahtoot Dam, which would be built on a tributary of the Kabul River, could provide water for more than 2 million people in the city.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The Arapiuns flows into the Tapajos, one of the Amazon River’s major tributaries, across waterways so vast that navigating them can feel like crossing the open sea.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The whole brims with a sense of place, weaving the capital’s rich artistic heritage into a background that is unashamedly luxurious.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The administration's plan to allow more imports of foreign beef has particularly roiled the agriculture-rich state of Nebraska.
    — NICHOLAS INGRAM, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Affluent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affluent. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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