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 However, as the country has become richer and its citizens more wealthy, purchasing gold for personal use or investments is increasingly common as a status symbol. Kat Tretina, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025 In a new Reuters/Ipsos survey, 71% agree that the very wealthy have too much influence on the Trump White House, and 58% worry that Musk’s cuts could delay payments for Social Security and student aid. Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 2025 Jacob Elordi plays Dorrigo Evans’ younger self, stumbling into an engagement with a girlfriend from a wealthy family (Olivia DeJonge) while falling in love with his uncle’s wife Amy (Odessa Young), a bohemian youngster who has clearly done some regrettable matrimonial stumbling herself. Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025 But then the Birds sold 8% of their operation to two wealthy families in deals that valued the club at $8.1 billion and $8.3 billion, respectively. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wealthy

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wealthy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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