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 boomer generation is wealthier and more active than any before, and spends heavily on experiences. Amachie Ackah, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025 City Tavern had opened the previous year, backed by a group of wealthy Philadelphians who’d decided there was no place in town that met their standards for decent food and drink. Victoria Flexner, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025 Christoph Waltz joins the cast, portraying Henrich Harlander, a wealthy arms manufacturer who funds Victor’s experiments. Giana Levy, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025 The empire of nails has led to plenty of wealthy Asians—Asians are now the wealthiest racial group in America, but the ethnic makeup is a gap like never before. Arabelle Sicardi, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • Wealth, in the view of an increasing cohort of affluent individuals, is more than money.
    Christina Binkley, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Robert Carroll, a New York state assemblyman who represents Brooklyn, said given the research showing more affluent consumers are more likely to buy online, $3 is not going to break the bank, and such a fee could be a boon to the state’s infrastructure budget.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Gregerson’s shows her at the peak of her signature tercets, weaving together the microscopic and the grand threads of science, art, and history into wonderfully rich sonic landscapes.
    Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
  • In traditional steakhouse fashion, interiors will feature rich dark woods, brass metal accents and a monochromatic palette.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wealthy

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