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 The premise of the bit was obviously that Melania is the younger trophy wife of a wealthy older man, not that Trump was likely to be murdered soon. Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026 The firm had hoped to raise $300 million by selling its WLFI crypto tokens to foreign investors and wealthy Americans, but had raised only $12 million on its first day and $22 million in its first month. Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026 The new Rolex store is just what Fort Lauderdale needs, said Jennifer Leong, a global real estate adviser who works with wealthy clients worldwide. Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026 Newsom, for his part, acknowledges that many of the state’s wealthiest residents are willing to donate significant sums of money, but want to do it on their own terms and not through a tax. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • In the District of Columbia, even affluent families have access to two full years of prekindergarten, while neighboring Virginia has a far less robust program.
    Moriah Balingit, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Its outdated business model, exorbitant levels of debt, and years of general mismanagement is unloved by investors and out of step with what the market demands today — more premium seating targeting affluent and business travelers.
    Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The culinary program leans into Ecuadorian heritage, from Galápagos lobster and freshly caught tuna to cheeses aged in volcanic lava tunnels and rich Ecuadorian chocolate desserts.
    David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Prunes and other fiber-rich foods can help support digestion and prevent constipation.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 1 May. 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