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 Huppert delivers a commanding performance as Marianne Farrère, a wealthy heiress whose extravagant gifts to a much younger artist ignite public outrage. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025 Meanwhile Jack Ciattarelli continues to rake in cash from billionaire landlords while his running mate wants to raise taxes on working New Jerseyans while sparing the ultra-wealthy. Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 In the two decades that followed, nationalization was embraced by former colonies across Asia and Latin America, spurring the United States and wealthy European nations to start prioritizing domestic resource extraction. Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025 The difference, however, is that in wealthier nations, these kinds of disasters often trigger investment in storm drains, soil stabilization or relocation. New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • Fasano Sardegna, located 15 miles south from the Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, will replicate the character of JHSF’s existing developments and unique holistic approach to catering to the affluent lifestyle.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Initially, Alex Pou worked closely with a Coconut Grove youth-football team, known as the Redskins, whose players were often poached by affluent youth-football leagues from outside the area.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • One way is when iron-rich rock is exposed to high temperatures and acidic conditions, but neither are evident in the area around Cheyava Falls.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The story has too many rich details to be a lie, and Marlon knows something of woe too.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wealthy

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