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 measure has more than $63 million in financial backing from Building a Better California, which has been heavily funded by Google co-founder Sergey Brin and a handful of other wealthy tech entrepreneurs. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026 For example, ProPublica was able to expose the tax-evasion practices of wealthy sports teams owners in 2021. — Alex Volonte, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026 Spending has been helped by a strong stock market, which reflects enthusiasm over the prospects for artificial intelligence and which enriches wealthy investors and gives them more money to buy things with. — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 Future Housewives is set in the decadent asteroid colony of New Beverly Hills, where wealthy socialites juggle bioengineered beauty regimens, ruthless rivalries and interplanetary scandals. — Peter White, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy
Adjective
  • According to the Berkeley and Oakland police departments, responders arrived at the home Friday morning, soon after receiving reports of gunshots heard in the affluent neighborhood near the UC Berkeley campus.
    — Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The radiant setting is especially attractive to affluent couples from across Asia as well as the US, Australia, and Europe.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The whole brims with a sense of place, weaving the capital’s rich artistic heritage into a background that is unashamedly luxurious.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The administration's plan to allow more imports of foreign beef has particularly roiled the agriculture-rich state of Nebraska.
    — NICHOLAS INGRAM, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!