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 Residents of some leafy New York City suburbs say their peace and quiet is being shattered by helicopters ferrying even wealthier travelers out to the Hamptons, according to new reporting. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Jeremy Repanich Adrian Zecha Creates Aman Former journalist Adrian Zecha, born to a wealthy Indonesian family, set out to build a vacation home in Phuket, Thailand. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 Board members must fight for state funding owed to our students and push the ultra-wealthy to pay their fair share this veto session. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Jag’s corporate master, JLR, is aware of fading demand in China and Europe and targets younger, wealthy American premium buyers. — New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • Quiet luxury, by invitation Fortune previously reported affluent Gen Z and millennials were prioritizing experiences, wellness, and identity over traditional luxury possessions.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Still, affluent families will be more likely to afford the full scope of additional, out-of-pocket investments, Goldman said.
    — Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Chan Luu is hardly an emerging brand because of its rich history, but Tessa Tran, the niece of Chan Luu, bought back the family business in 2023 and has since revived the line as artistic director.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • At least 84 people remained missing in one of the deadliest shipwrecks yet on the popular but perilous crossing from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, where many migrants seek work in rich Gulf nations.
    — JAMEY KEATEN, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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