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 Lamont and Republican gubernatorial contender Ryan Fazio, both from the affluent Fairfield County suburb of Greenwich, share the conviction that taxing the rich would spark an exodus of wealthy households from Connecticut. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026 The business model is based on making a very small quantity of extremely labor-intensive clothing for ultra-wealthy clients that number, at most, a few thousand. — Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026 During a recent stop in Michigan, Obama criticized the Republican over his White House renovations and for becoming wealthier while in office. — Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 His strategy involves tapping institutional investors, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and wealthy individuals to help finance risks traditionally carried by insurance companies and reinsurers. — Contessa Brewer, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • The backstory This property has quite the history—originally built in 1868, its roots date back to the Gilded Age era when affluent families summered here (and big names like the Vanderbilts and the Astors took up residence nearby).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Lamont and Republican gubernatorial contender Ryan Fazio, both from the affluent Fairfield County suburb of Greenwich, share the conviction that taxing the rich would spark an exodus of wealthy households from Connecticut.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • However, sometimes chuck and top sirloin are used, offering a richer, more flavorful, marbled cut.
    — Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Because the album is rich with melody—because the compositions snake so readily from note to note, compared to Malone’s previous works—inklings of narrative start to seep from the foggy passages.
    — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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