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 Bill Clinton became wealthy upon leaving The White House in 2001, at the end of his second term. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024 The Wynn won't just appeal to them but also many of the local residents who aren't so wealthy. Caroline Reid, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 These older buyers are also slightly wealthier, with a median household income of $108,800, up from 107,000 in 2022. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024 Other wealthy nations including Norway, Israel and Ireland fall even lower. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 3 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 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on wealthy

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