WEALTHY Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

wealthy

adjective

ˈwel-thē

Definition of wealthy next

as in affluent

having goods, property, or money in abundance a wealthy man who likes to collect antique cars

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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 These were the Roaring ’20s, before the stock-market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression, so Rector and her family were like other wealthy Americans. —

Dan Kelly june 16, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026 Jones, 47, comes from a wealthy family but is running a more modest campaign. —

ABC News, 16 June 2026 But in recent years, it’s become known as a haven for the ultra-wealthy. —

Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026 Banks stars as Noah, who moves from Florida to London when her mother remarries a wealthy Englishman. —

Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy

Adjective

The iPhone Ultra is a high-margin smartphone that can serve as a lightning rod to attract the highest and most affluent consumers.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Despite the main attraction outside, the affluent neighborhood has quiet streets and is well-positioned just above the main shopping of the Gran Vía.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026

Definition of affluent

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wealths

wealthy

weaned

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“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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Synonyms of wealthy

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