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 Visiting teams, particularly from wealthy nations with the means to pay for it, will also request the most secluded rooms in the hotel, and away from the street side to minimize noise exposure. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 July 2026 These economies lose their cheap labor advantage, but don’t have the domestic innovation to create the high-value sectors to compete with wealthier nations. Angelica Ang, Fortune, 3 July 2026 For instance, space tourism has gotten off the ground; wealthy people can book trips to suborbital space, and the super-rich can fly all the way to Earth orbit, as the experience of NASA chief Jared Isaacman shows. Mike Wall, Space.com, 3 July 2026 Who wouldn’t want a glimpse into the world of uber-wealthy teens living very adult lives—sans parental supervision—in the heart of New York City? Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • Raised in an affluent suburb in Marin County, Siebel Newsom, 52, grew up in privilege.
    Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Walmart The superstore stock has plenty of runway as Walmart 's efforts to court more affluent consumers begin to pay off, according to Bank of America.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • White jeans offer much more leeway to play with poppy seasonal colors or rich textures, like raffia, suede, and leather.
    Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 8 July 2026
  • Much of that praise is thanks to its rich history, artistic treasures, and delicious food and wine, which often comes from the nearby hills of Chianti and Montalcino.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on wealthy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!