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 Beth yells at him to get to the arena to meet wealthy buyers waiting for him. Colleen Kratofil, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024 Witness accounts have shed light not only on the three cases but also on details about Netanyahu’s character and his family’s reputation for living lavishly on the backs of taxpayers and wealthy supporters. Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024 No company—no matter how wealthy—can silence the cause of workers demanding justice. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024 Such a system might also discourage very wealthy Americans with a lot of passive U.S. income from setting up residence in low-tax jurisdictions. Tyler Cowen, Sun Sentinel, 28 Nov. 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 22 Dec. 2024.

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