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 second wealthiest place in Delaware is a beach community, Henlopen Acres. Andrew Depietro, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 During his first term, Trump's massive 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made huge cuts to federal spending to pay for tax breaks for wealthier Americans. Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 21 May 2025 Geffen, who has a net worth over $9.1 billion, per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, landed at No. 348 on the list of the world’s wealthiest people as of May 20. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025 By 1960, Gros Michel exports had all but vanished from supermarket shelves; surviving plants only persisted in isolated, small-scale farms or private collections of wealthy aficionados who could afford the costly biosecurity measures necessary to keep them alive. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • These areas tend to have affluent shoppers who have the time for and interest in shopping that way.
    Alexandra Talty, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • The hotel brand surveyed 503 affluent U.S. adults between late February and early March, defined as those with household income of at least $250,000; a minimum of $1 million in total assets, and those who typically spend $10,000 or more on leisure travel annually.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Russian dressing, a thick, chunky Thousand Island, is rich enough.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
  • Avocados Avocados are rich in heart-healthy fats, and many other health-promoting nutrients.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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