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 Talarico has favored higher taxes on wealthier households and the two ads seek to portray him as seeking tax hikes more broadly while claiming that Paxton would give tax breaks to first-time homebuyers and families with children. Josh Boak, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026 The players at the less wealthy school create revenue by agreeing to place themselves in a competitive mismatch. Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Add in the millennial and Gen Z digital nomads, who aren't tied to the office, and the population of wealthy travelers who can ditch the traditional summer months in favor of fall is growing. Robert Frank, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026 John’s father Melvyn (Bill Pullman), a wealthy captain-of-industry-type whose relationship with his son has been under some unnamed strain for a long time, is in hospital, dying. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • Redwood’s affluent clients are prioritizing the comfort that fall offers, both through lower temperatures and fewer crowds.
    Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026
  • According to reports, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to settle in the Cotswolds, an affluent countryside region in south-central England, located about two hours outside London.
    Ashley Hume , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • And the following books represent a rich range of literary earnestness.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Financial details are not been disclosed but sources describe it as a rich deal, with the streamer buying the short story for $1M+ in addition to a script commitment to the adaptation, penned by Binge.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster