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 America's sub-ultra-wealthy are finding new ways to dodge the crowds associated with air travel. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 6 Nov. 2026 After a slow September, investment firms of ultra-wealthy families stepped up their deal-making last month. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026 Donalds defeated Jolly in five Broward cities, which are the smallest and wealthiest enclaves in the most Democratic county in Florida. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026 Pedro Homar, managing director of Palma's tourism board, said Mallorca would prefer to attract wealthy American tourists, Fox News Digital reported. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • Majid has found work as the babysitter to Gabriel, the three-year-old son of an affluent French family.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Low-income students were more likely than their affluent peers to vote for Democrats.
    — Sara Suzuki, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • However, sometimes chuck and top sirloin are used, offering a richer, more flavorful, marbled cut.
    — Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Because the album is rich with melody—because the compositions snake so readily from note to note, compared to Malone’s previous works—inklings of narrative start to seep from the foggy passages.
    — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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