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 commissioners who supported the raises argued that increasing the compensation would entice less wealthy people to run for office. Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2025 Even some wealthier consumers have pulled back on discretionary purchases because of inflation and economic uncertainty. Melissa Repko, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025 But Bjorn Hanson, a travel consultant and hospitality professor at New York University, points to another important factor: The world’s wealthiest were traveling en masse for the first time and refused to sacrifice comfort on the road. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2025 Tesla’s used car devaluation reflects both a more challenging EV market and potential damage to the brand since the inception of DOGE in January, which has turned Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, into a divisive political symbol. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wealthy

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Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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