better-off

adjective

Definition of better-offnext
as in successful

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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 better-off After all, these programs helped to create the class of better-off retirees who fund the group today. — Samuel Moyn, Harpers Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026 Lower earners historically see higher rates of inflation than their better-off counterparts, said Morgan Stanley economist Heather Berger. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2026 Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson housing projects were built and black folks settled in, dreaming of moving in with their better-off cousins who lived near Lenox Avenue. — Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 When New York boldly expanded free preschool a decade ago, classroom quality climbed mostly in better-off neighborhoods, failing to lift poor children. — Bruce Fuller, Oc Register, 27 Dec. 2025 The pumpkin would most likely have been stewed, possibly with meat, but pies reflected British heritage and were a common staple in better-off households. — Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025 Japan was in a deep recession, but Uniqlo kept growing, offering bargains for the struggling masses and discretion for better-off consumers in an era that frowned upon conspicuous consumption. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025 Poorer school districts could also struggle to access the latest AI technology, widening the gap with areas that are better-off, Robin Lake, director of Arizona State University’s Center on Reinventing Public Education, told CNN. — Nic F. Anderson, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025 In the 1870s, workers and domestic servants were still living close to their employers in back alleys and compounds behind the homes of the better-off. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 5 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better-off
  1. successful
  2. affluent
  3. wealthy
  4. propertied
  5. prosperous
  6. well-to-do
  7. comfortable
  8. substantial
Adjective
  • In other words, the most successful sporting siblings preserve their emotional bonds.
    — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • As a result, successful commercial property management is built around business relationships rather than transaction management.
    — David Crown, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of successful
Adjective
  • This modernist gem, tucked away just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco in the affluent Upper Lucas Valley enclave of San Rafael, carries a dual legacy.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Viking caters primarily to affluent, older travelers and offers an extensive portfolio of river cruises, which sets it apart from more mass-market competitors.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of affluent
Adjective
  • The pair also meet Sheriff Kerry Kane (Kelly Macdonald) and her wealthy, deeply suspicious father-in-law William Macon (Garret Dillahunt), who possesses an unusual amount of knowledge about aliens.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond being a relatively wealthy, stable and democratic country with vast fishing grounds, Iceland could have joined the bloc relatively quickly.
    — Kwiyeon Ha, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of wealthy
Adjective
  • Those writing the new constitution determined that men of substance, the wealthy, could be counted on to vote for men of good character who would end the chaos in the country and protect the interests of the propertied classes.
    — Christine Adams / Made by History, TIME, 16 Sep. 2024
  • Edward Gibbon, who was ultimately elected to the UK Parliament, was born into a propertied English family that had lost most of its fortune in the South Sea Bubble of the 1720s but later regained it.
    — BYWill Daniel, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2023
Definition of propertied
Adjective
  • Maps from the period indicate a burial space near the prosperous home of Quakers James and Ann Whitall, whose property had been seized to construct Fort Mercer.
    — Jennifer Janofsky, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In his view, a prosperous society was teetering on the edge of a meaningful shift toward communitarianism before being yanked back.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of prosperous
Adjective
  • Paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries depict well-to-do folks sporting eyeglasses — including Benjamin Franklin, who invented bifocals.
    — Kevin Brasler, Washington Post, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Ella Beatty plays the daughter of a well-to-do New England family who develops a close relationship with her maid after abuse from her parents.
    — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of well-to-do
Adjective
  • This year’s Labor Day travel deals stretch well beyond the basics, with savings on airfare, hotels, cruises, train journeys, luggage, outdoor gear, and accessories that make getting from here to there more comfortable.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In the wake of Antonio Silva’s move to the Premier League, Benfica should suit Circati, who is also comfortable moving the ball forward through adventurous carries and long passes from defence.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of comfortable
Adjective
  • The Potential Downsides Not everyone can slot a substantial breakfast and half an hour of cardio into a hectic morning.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Dred Scott, decided in 1857, was the Court’s first use of horizontal review since Marbury and its first substantial use of the power ever.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of substantial

Browse Nearby Words

betterments
better-off
betters
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Cite this Entry

“Better-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better-off. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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