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 But while cancer treatments and survival rates are improving in wealthy countries, that's not the case in places where the rate of cancer diagnosis is rising the fastest. Durrie Bouscaren, NPR, 25 July 2026 The tenor of the congressman’s ads and mailers largely center around his sharp criticism of Bronin and the origins of his fundraising from wealthy donors. Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026 According to the publication, the famous buffets of Las Vegas fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic, its social-distancing requirements and the trend of wealthier visitors seeking higher-end restaurants. Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026 Now, 120 wealthy Britons have signed an open letter to England’s new prime minister Andy Burnham, asking for their taxes to be raised. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • This is likely why affluent jetsetters of every ilk—from multi-generational families to newlyweds on their honeymoon—choose to stay here.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • The national retailers who seized the opportunity, in turn, helped make the neighborhood still more attractive to affluent newcomers and investors.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • Designed to be charming and romantic, rooms have a B&B feel with canopy beds, rich drapery, plush chairs, hardwood floors, and walls adorned with chair rail and crown molding.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Each spoonful was rich and silky, with creamy vanilla pudding coating tender banana slices and vanilla wafers that soaked up enough sweetness to become cake-like.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 31 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!

More from Merriam-Webster