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 Other wealthy countries pay far less for the same drugs and still benefit from the same breakthroughs. Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026 The mayor is still trying to overcome fallout from her absence when the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history ignited in a wealthy seaside neighborhood in January 2025. Michael R. Blood, Fortune, 2 June 2026 Belle Haven in 1975 was not simply wealthy. Kate Casey, Vanity Fair, 2 June 2026 Since 1992, Norway became almost unbelievably wealthy. Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • These figures likely understate the true advantage because affluent families can afford test preparation services that boost scores in the first place.
    Prasad Krishnamurthy, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • The mayor of an affluent suburb of Los Angeles pleaded guilty to acting as an agent of the Chinese government last month.
    Julia Press, Bloomberg, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Over the course of Gregory Orr’s long career, his poems have become increasingly incantatory, more and more like chants or psalms, repeating, reformulating, reaching for the edges of the same rich metaphors.
    Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Time gave us the late-career brilliance of filmmakers like Jane Campion, Agnès Varda, Claire Denis, and Kathryn Bigelow, whose work became richer, fiercer, and more self-assured because these women had lived and learned so much.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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