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 Read the report: Millions flow to wealthy families, pricey private schools under Florida’s supercharged voucher program School-by-school data is not yet available for the current, 2024-25 school year, but Step Up provided a state level overview of this year’s numbers. Annie Martin, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2025 Born in 1869 into a wealthy family, Hamilton grew up on a sprawling estate that covered three city blocks in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Daniel Stone, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025 Hsu played Shan Cai, a teenager from a middle-class family who attends an elite private school and becomes caught in a love web with the heirs of wealthy families. Sara Merican, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2025 Gates himself was the world’s wealthiest person, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $58 billion. Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wealthy 

Thesaurus Entries Near wealthy

Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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