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 Publishing exec Jenny is well off, but nowhere near as wealthy as Marissa, who owns an accounting firm. Clarissa Cruz, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026 California has seen other wealthy candidates bankroll statewide campaigns over the years, though at far smaller levels. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 June 2026 The deal marks a bold experiment in the wealth management industry that could shift the balance of power from advisory firms to wealthy groups of investors. Robert Frank, CNBC, 9 June 2026 Zengel plays Ronja, who has been raised in a wealthy neighborhood, and is about to begin medical school. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • The killing last year stunned an affluent Dallas suburb where the teenagers attended school and quickly drew wider attention, in part over social media posts that amplified the case in racial terms.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026
  • Goodrich and prosecutors say the most common profile is a middle-aged, affluent White man who is married with children.
    Olivia Young, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Visitors to New Castle, Delaware, are greeted by cobblestone streets, alleys, dense urbanism and rich history.
    Staff, USA Today, 8 June 2026
  • Maryland’s identity is intertwined with the luminous blue crab, which builds up fat reserves in the cold waters of the Chesapeake Bay during winter hibernation, giving it a bold, rich flavor.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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