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 Beijing last month imposed a 20% tax on offshore trusts – a structure long used by China’s wealthy families to hold hundreds of billions of dollars outside the country. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026 Liechtenstein, a wealthy nation of 40,000 people that borders Switzerland and Austria, has an unusually powerful monarchy by European standards. ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 An unknown person has been poisoning mature pine trees at Burnt Cedar Beach in Incline Village since 2022, with 16 more trees targeted this July and August — a case some suspect involves a wealthy resident trying to improve their view of Lake Tahoe. Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026 All these theaters were funded through a partnership between public institutions and private citizens rather than by a single wealthy family. Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • Rather than spending months researching guides, securing reservations and coordinating domestic flights, affluent guests are increasingly happy to pay for seamless execution and insider access.
    Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • It’s connected to Hibiscus Island, another affluent community of high-end homes.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That nutritional profile has made sardines a particularly popular choice among people looking to add more nutrient-rich foods to their diets.
    Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The analysis is particularly striking in Indian Creek, where the golf course sits at the heart of an enclave whose 41 homeowners include some of the world’s richest people.
    Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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