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 This is because opportunities to access social welfare, healthcare and other important social goods are often greater in wealthier economies. — J. Toby Reiner, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026 Trump, his family and his wealthy cronies are criminals spending taxpayers’ money and taking it with their underhanded deals with our enemies. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026 Big fish, small payments Several prominent and wealthy customers make up a good share of the unpaid amount, according to the audit. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Sep. 2026 South Florida’s reputation as a magnet for the nation’s wealthiest people is reflected in the latest Forbes 400 annual ranking, which shows that America’s richest residents are wealthier than ever. — Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • Ralph Lauren’s latest quarterly report showed revenue rose 14%, led by demand from younger shoppers as well as affluent ones.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Serious crimes in predominantly white or more affluent areas were far more likely to become CMPD priorities, McFadden told The Charlotte Observer in 2018.
    — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But good fiction requires novelists to step beyond niceness and toward some richer mix of curiosity and compassion.
    — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • On Sunday, the model stopped by a Brooklyn farmer’s market for an autumnal bouquet—all rich oranges and dusky browns—which coordinated with her fall ’fit.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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