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 Visitors – mostly from the capital’s wealthier east side – who had spent the evening riding the cable car over the hillside and stopping at neighborhood bars, murals, and food stands, now danced with locals under the open sky. Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 Oman, located on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, is often overshadowed by its wealthier, more conspicuous neighbors, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and by its more tumultuous neighbor, Yemen. Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026 Even for someone as wealthy as Walter, that's a lot of money. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 In addition to making Perkin a wealthy man, his dye introduced a whole new industry and took coal tar from a waste product to a valuable raw material. Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • The first passengers will likely be affluent travelers willing to pay a premium to save time.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026
  • On January 24, 2023, allegedly in the grip of this psychosis, Clancy strangled her three children, who were five years, three years, and eight months old, in the basement of their home in Duxbury, Massachusetts, an affluent suburb of Boston.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • So these ingredients can significantly boost fiber intake without adding traditional fiber-rich foods.
    Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Norman is the 26th richest member of Congress, including both the House of Representatives and the Senate, according to Quiver Quantitative Live Net Worth Tracker's list.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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