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 trend reflects wealthier consumers benefiting the most while lower-income consumers are forced to tighten their purse strings. Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026 Moss said Nuhfer introduced Rivera to a Miami developer, Hugo Perera, who put him in touch with a wealthy Venezuelan TV mogul, Raul Gorrin, known to be close to Maduro and other top officials. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026 None of us is wealthy, but some of us have been good money managers and are comfortable in retirement. Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2026 Even with their latest tax reduction proposals, Democrats are still sticking with their longstanding call for higher levies on the ultra wealthy. ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • Ballantyne East Located in south Charlotte, Ballantyne East is an affluent area home to more than 10,000 residents.
    Chase Jordan March 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The risk is that language study becomes more stratified, remaining common in private schools and affluent districts while shrinking elsewhere.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That night, Joost wanted to dine at a real restaurant like rich foreigners.
    Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The exempt areas include the Red Sea tourist resorts of Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Marsa Alam, as well as the antiquities-rich southern cities of Aswan and Luxor.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on wealthy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster