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 Finally, a third report authored by John Commons and wealthy suffrage activist Florence Harriman argued—correctly—that Manly’s group wanted unions to be engaged in mass politics rather than just workplace negotiations. Literary Hub, 12 May 2026 The recipient of a recent glow-up, Barnes is unimaginably wealthy and therefore unaccountably powerful. Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 12 May 2026 Overall, wealthier Americans continue to benefit from record-high stock prices and surging home equity values that have been steadily climbing since the pandemic. Allie Canal, NBC news, 12 May 2026 Justin Levitt, a professor at Loyola Law School who studies campaign finance law, said keeping companies from spending on elections might not make a big difference in how political spending works, noting that far more is spent by wealthy people such as Elon Musk. ABC News, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • With fashion spending projected to rise sharply, global buyers see Saudi designers not only as creative talents, but as commercial partners with access to a large, affluent consumer base.
    FMG Studios, Footwear News, 10 May 2026
  • Wilson is zoned for the 9th District, which extends across most of the state’s southern border before curving up to encompass the largely white and affluent Nashville suburbs.
    Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • Here, this translates as an exuberance of bread, meat and dairy, rich and fortifying.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • That’s rich — like the pot calling the kettle black.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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