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 Lake Forest has once again been ranked the Midwest’s wealthiest retirement community, according to a nationwide analysis of municipalities. Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 Gentrification doesn’t always look the same As a neighborhood becomes gentrified, wealthier people move in and long-standing residents can be displaced through rent hikes or the loss of housing. Isaac Quaye, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026 The deal will expand Uber’s offerings targeting business executives and wealthy consumers, a fast-growing segment of the business, the company said in a statement on Monday. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026 The White Lotus season four will film in France, and follow a whole new crop of (wealthy) guests on a weeklong vacation. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 30 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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