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

Examples 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 Developed by a joint venture between CBS Studios and the NAACP and produced by Procter & Gamble, for which the genre is named, the show will debut in January and follow the lives of a wealthy Black family living in a posh, gated community. Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024 Much like many places around the world, before Botafogo won this season a few big, wealthy clubs dominated, with Palmeiras, Corinthians and Flamengo sharing eight of the nine previous Serie A titles. Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 21 Dec. 2024 Though Luigi Mangione comes from a wealthy and prominent family, anonymous online donors have chipped in thousands of dollars to fund his legal defense against charges connected to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Nick Penzenstadler, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024 The offerings found inside the tombs of the building indicate that their occupants were wealthy and of high social status. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 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 30 Dec. 2024.

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