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 The series was released last week and centers around Hong Kong's wealthy social scene during its boating and sailing season. Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 23 June 2026 Wine mogul David Trone is spending big in a comeback bid as wealthy incumbent April McClain Delaney aggressively defends her seat. Erin Cox, Washington Post, 23 June 2026 Europe’s largest economy, like many wealthy nations, is eyeing autonomous bots to address its struggling industrial base and aging workforce. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 23 June 2026 Scholars largely agree that one wealthy Delft couple, the brewing heir Pieter Claesz van Ruijven and his wife, Maria de Knuijt, were his primary patrons. Clare Bucknell, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • Unanimously approved Tuesday, the ban is the latest measure taken in the past two years to curb what’s become a growing safety issue in the affluent East Bay town of about 43,000 residents.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 21 June 2026
  • Safety net hospitals also have fewer resources than more affluent hospitals to deal with denials from Medicaid managed care organizations, which occur when health insurers and other organizations that administer Medicaid benefits for the state deny payment for certain claims.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Matching your belt, shoes, and purse is an easy way to make an outfit feel intentional and look cohesive, and Swift did so by opting for a similarly rich brown leather style.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
  • Those were his 57th and 58th playing internationally, tying and passing Oliver Giroud for the most in the country's rich history.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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