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 On the Republican side, Stewart has gained an early advantage by raising more than $300,000 in small contributions on her way toward qualifying for public financing against Lamont, a wealthy Greenwich entrepreneur who has spent millions to self-fund his statewide campaigns. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2025 Scottsdale does not rank among the nation’s 50 wealthiest suburbs. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025 This could take the form of a philanthropic organization, a wealthy individual or perhaps a university taking over OCO-2 or OCO-3, or perhaps both, for a period of time. Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025 Police believe the burglars targeted wealthy areas, not specifically Brad Pitt. Alex Stone, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • This policy opened nearly $9 trillion dollars of 401(k) accounts that only had access to asset classes typically reserved for institutional and affluent level investors, and this presents opportunity and risk.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Networks that are headquartered in major cities, and that can turn to large or affluent membership bases during fund-raising drives, will have an easier time making up shortfalls.
    Oliver Whang, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The whiskey features rich aromas of vanilla, pipe tobacco, old leather, and cinnamon.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Shot over three years on a vintage Bolex camera, the film is a rich portrait of an elderly, unnamed woman who, born in a cave more than 60 years ago, now lives in a village caring for her children and grandchildren.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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