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 Their friendship is put to the test when Ayman meets Sara, the daughter of a wealthy family, for whom his mother works as a maid. Ed Meza, Variety, 10 Mar. 2026 The family is now stranded in this settlement, which is too far away to benefit from donations by wealthy and ordinary Cambodians, or from food aid set up by the authorities. John Vink, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026 Large banks often promote these types of loans to wealthy clients. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026 Lucy works as a high-end matchmaker for New York’s elite while cooly observing that only a very wealthy husband will ever (to paraphrase Elizabeth Bennet) induce her into matrimony. Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • Rockefeller initially favored the bridge that would have connected the affluent areas of Oyster Bay on Long Island and Rye in Westchester County, but the tide turned as opposition grew.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Gas prices are regressive — meaning lower-income people are more likely to spend a higher percentage of their money on fuel than affluent Americans.
    Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The cliffside lodge offers a front row view of one of the most biologically rich places on the planet, UNESCO’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve near South Africa’s border with Zimbabwe.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Lucky for you, Ortega’s exact carryall is on sale now, along with a range of other rich-girl purses from $84.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 8 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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