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 of wealthy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Such high-end cultural events and art sales, Walpole argues, open financial opportunities for luxury brands by attracting wealthy international tourists. Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 23 Oct. 2024 Estate planning is a ‘large focus’ Currently, there’s a significantly higher estate and gift tax exemption under the TCJA, which allows tax-free transfers from wealthy Americans to the next generation. Kate Dore, Cfp®, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2024 The island was owned from 1910 to 1964 by a wealthy inventor who built the stone buildings that dot the landscape. Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 10 Oct. 2024 Here are the cities with the highest concentration of wealthy people in Arizona. Reia Li, The Arizona Republic, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wealthy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wealthy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near wealthy

Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on wealthy

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