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 Just about the entire movie unfolds inside a beige Paris hotel suite, and then a fancy restaurant, where Philip Doom (Harrelson), who is some sort of wealthy blowhard, and his 32-year-old daughter, Madeleine (Stewart), are sitting around berating each other. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 18 May 2026 With the price hike, the nonresident student body could see a jump in enrollment of wealthier applicants. Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026 Likewise, Colorado risks driving away its wealthiest residents with higher income tax rates, said Walker. Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 18 May 2026 Heat will not spare wealthy cities. Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • Its rapid expansion demonstrates how India’s luxury economy is evolving and how technology is reshaping access to premium experiences for affluent customers worldwide.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • The woman soon fixed up John — handsome, affluent, newly single — on a date.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • To survive these transformations, rich states have resorted among other things to the ever greater exploitation, not only of poor states, but also of the human and ecological capital housed within them.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • Edmond Safra was that rich banker.
    Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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