riches

plural noun

rich·​es ˈri-chəz How to pronounce riches (audio)
Synonyms of richesnext
: things that make one rich : wealth

Synonyms of riches

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Examples of riches in a Sentence

industrialists who had amassed riches of a magnitude that few had dreamed possible
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.
Wilson, 78, brings a rags-to-riches success story to the race. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 The whole busker-to-recording star has a filmic rags-to-riches quality even before Hansard meta-ishly embodied it in the film. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026 Fares, 68, has a rags-to-riches story not uncommon in Lebanon. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 26 July 2026 Released during World War II, the film capitalizes on Cohan's rags-to-riches story and his songs' ability to boost morale with their embodiment of the American spirit. — Kevin P. Sullivan, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for riches

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, singular or plural, from richesse wealth, from Anglo-French richesce, from riche rich, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English rīce rich

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of riches was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing riches

Rhymes for riches

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Browse Nearby Words

richen
riches
richesse
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Cite this Entry

“Riches.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riches. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

riches

plural noun
rich·​es ˈrich-əz How to pronounce riches (audio)
: things that make one rich : wealth
Etymology

Middle English richesse, originally not a plural but a singular noun meaning "richness"

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Nglish: Translation of riches for Spanish Speakers

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