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 Ahmed Walid Mamelodi Sundowns Mamelodi Sundowns are South Africa’s richest team, backed by one of the country’s wealthiest men, Patrice Motsepe, who has been in charge since 2003. The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 31 May 2025 The dispute over international enrollment at Harvard is the latest escalation in a battle between the White House and the nation's oldest and wealthiest college. Arkansas Online, 30 May 2025 On Wednesday evening, the world's wealthiest man announced that his sojourn in the nation's capital is almost over. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025 Tax cuts that disproportionately benefit wealthier Americans and new tax deductions for tips also are included in the legislation. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • This affluent neighborhood is known for its lush green spaces, magnificent architecture and proximity to some of London's most popular attractions.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • The production features a cast of five actors, four representing two generations of an affluent White family in a wealthy part of Philadelphia and a Black woman who lives in a poor, mostly Black part of town.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Non-physician educational experiences differ widely by program, geography and clinical focus, leading to a workforce rich in potential but fragmented in preparation.
    Jesse Corn, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • The texture of the shampoo was rich, coated the hair well, and imparted a like-new shine — thanks to the product’s rich ingredients of coconut oil, silk proteins, shea butter, and neem oil.
    Kayla Blanton, People.com, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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