WEALTHY Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

wealthy

adjective

ˈwel-thē

Definition of wealthy

as in affluent

having goods, property, or money in abundance a wealthy man who likes to collect antique cars

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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 One of the proposal's drafters, Darien Shanske, a law professor at UC Davis, downplays reports of wealthy Californians relocating in anticipation of the measure. — Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 An early opportunity to narrow gaps For decades, researchers have documented that children from wealthier families tend to perform better in school than their lower-income peers, and those disparities follow them through school. — Emily Woodruff, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 The billionaire tax is aimed at raising $100 billion from the state's wealthiest residents, with the money earmarked for shoring up California's healthcare system. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 His lawyer has maintained his client’s innocence, saying Betancourt has been unfairly maligned because people associate him with a group of wealthy young Venezuelans, some of whom have been accused of wrongdoing, according to press reports. — Cate Brown, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy

Adjective

Founder Philip Manghisi tested the market through seasonal pop-ups before committing to a permanent location, citing Park City’s affluent customer base and limited luxury retail competition.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026
During his stint as president from 2006 to 2010, the company sold predominantly $200 and $300 jeans to affluent department-store shoppers with household incomes around $250,000.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of affluent

Adjective

Counties where richer arrivals or the departure of lower earners drove the improvement were set aside.

— Amy L. Wong, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Kodal Minerals plans to expand its lithium business across West Africa, betting the gold-rich region can become a major supplier of the battery metal, Reuters reported.

— Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of rich

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wealths

wealthy

weaned

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“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of wealthy

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