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 During the event, supporters framed the reforms as shifting tax cuts away from wealthy corporations and toward everyday Coloradans who could use the help to pay for car repairs or for clothes or extracurricular activities for their children. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026 In both wealthy and low-income countries, teachers are having to do more with fewer resources. José Manuel Barroso, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026 That's in part because lower-income Americans tend to file early, while wealthier households, which have more complex tax returns, take longer to file. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026 Organizers said the India AI Impact Summit is the first such summit being held in the Global South to discuss the technology developed and dominated by wealthy companies based in rich countries. ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • More affluent areas received prompt warnings and orders.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Philosopher Peter Singer makes a similar point in moral terms, arguing that affluent Americans have a strong obligation not merely to acknowledge but also to meaningfully assist people living in absolute poverty.
    Kenneth Zagacki, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Mid-century touches, rich colors, and layered textures warm the space, along with natural sunlight that filters through the room, and the air conditioning is a welcome relief from the island heat.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Our Favorite Loaded Potato Soup Recipes There's no shortage of rich, creamy potato soups in our arsenal.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

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