rich

adjective

ˈrich How to pronounce rich (audio)
Synonyms of richnext
1
: having abundant possessions and especially material wealth
2
a
: having high value or quality
b
: well supplied or endowed
a city rich in traditions
3
: magnificently impressive : sumptuous
4
a
: vivid and deep in color
a rich red
b
: full and mellow in tone and quality
a rich voice
c
: having a strong fragrance
rich perfumes
5
: highly productive or remunerative
a rich mine
6
a
: having abundant plant nutrients
rich soil
b
: highly seasoned, fatty, oily, or sweet
rich foods
c
: high in the combustible component
a rich fuel mixture
d
: high in some component
cholesterol-rich foods
7
a
: entertaining
also : laughable
b
: meaningful, significant
rich allusions
c
: lush
rich meadows
8
: pure or nearly pure
rich lime
richness noun

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for rich

rich, wealthy, affluent, opulent 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

wealthy stresses the possession of property and intrinsically valuable things.

wealthy landowners

affluent suggests prosperity and an increasing wealth.

an affluent society

opulent suggests lavish expenditure and display of great wealth, more often applying to things than people.

an opulent mansion

Examples of rich in a Sentence

Her investments have made her rich. The dictionary is a rich source of information. a rich and spicy soup The food was a little too rich for me.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But the advent of name, image and likeness earnings for college athletes threw yet another roadblock at Johnson’s attempt to establish an identity and maintain some continuity, as programs with richer collectives lured key players away. — Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025 Tariffs are about making America rich again and making America great again. — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 This classic Roman dish uses just three fundamental ingredients—Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and pasta water—to create a rich, pepper-spiked sauce that perfectly coats every noodle. — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025 Rochford’s Guinness Beef Stew is a rich, chunky dish infused with traditional Guinness beer and brightened with fresh rosemary, and cherry tomatoes. — Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rich

Word History

Etymology

Middle English riche, from Old English rīce; akin to Old High German rīhhi rich, Old English rīce kingdom, Old High German rīhhi, noun; all from prehistoric Germanic words borrowed from Celtic words akin to Old Irish rí (genitive ríg) king — more at royal

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rich was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing rich

Rhymes for rich

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Browse Nearby Words

ricey
rich
Rich
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Cite this Entry

“Rich.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rich. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

rich

adjective
ˈrich How to pronounce rich (audio)
1
: having great wealth : wealthy
2
a
: having high value
a rich harvest
b
: costly sense 1, valuable
rich robes
3
a
: having a large supply of some usually desirable quality or thing
a land rich in resources
b
: of pleasingly strong odor
rich perfumes
c
: very productive : fruitful, fertile
a rich mine
rich soils
d
: containing much seasoning, fat, or sugar
rich food
e
: high in fuel content
a rich mixture
4
a
: vivid and deep in color
rich red
b
: full and mellow in tone and quality
rich voice
5
: very amusing
a play with many rich lines
richness noun

Biographical Definition

Rich

biographical name

ˈrich How to pronounce Rich (audio)
Adrienne Cecile 1929–2012 American poet

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