Definition of wealthynext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word wealthy distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of wealthy are affluent, opulent, and rich. While all these words mean "having goods, property, and money in abundance," wealthy stresses the possession of property and intrinsically valuable things.

wealthy landowners

Where would affluent be a reasonable alternative to wealthy?

In some situations, the words affluent and wealthy are roughly equivalent. However, affluent suggests prosperity and an increasing wealth.

an affluent society

When would opulent be a good substitute for wealthy?

The synonyms opulent and wealthy are sometimes interchangeable, but opulent suggests lavish expenditure and display of great wealth, more often applying to things than people.

an opulent mansion

When might rich be a better fit than wealthy?

The words rich and wealthy 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

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 wealthy The series was released last week and centers around Hong Kong's wealthy social scene during its boating and sailing season. Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 23 June 2026 Wine mogul David Trone is spending big in a comeback bid as wealthy incumbent April McClain Delaney aggressively defends her seat. Erin Cox, Washington Post, 23 June 2026 Europe’s largest economy, like many wealthy nations, is eyeing autonomous bots to address its struggling industrial base and aging workforce. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 23 June 2026 Scholars largely agree that one wealthy Delft couple, the brewing heir Pieter Claesz van Ruijven and his wife, Maria de Knuijt, were his primary patrons. Clare Bucknell, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • C-suite execs come for a digital detox, chic couples spoil themselves at the spa, and affluent families from Macau sip cocktails by the pool.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 June 2026
  • The survey, which polled around 10,000 affluent and high-net-worth individuals across 10 markets, found that 62% use financial professionals and institutions as their main source of investment ideas.
    Justina Lee, CNBC, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Similarly, when planning for color-rich interiors, the right white matters.
    Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 28 June 2026
  • Low-fiber, constipating diets are rich in highly processed or fast foods and dehydrating beverages like excessive alcohol.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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