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 The issue that wealthy investors run into with standard tax-loss harvesting is that fewer and fewer losses become available to harvest over time, according to an overview of TALS from advisor research platform Kitces. — Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 According to Lean In Girls, adults, wealthy people and able-bodied individuals generally have more power than teenagers, people living in poverty and people with disabilities. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 The plot follows a wealthy family whose lives fall apart after their young nanny disappears during a summer holiday and the family’s secrets and buried guilt rise to the surface. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 Further Lane explores how wealth and ambition impact the relationships of a wealthy family and their household staff. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy

Adjective

The men talked about who would assault the woman beforehand, took photos and recorded the assault, which was also seen on a security system feed at the home in Sullivan's Island, an affluent suburb of Charleston, state agents said.

— MEG KINNARD, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
Getting affluent early adopters on board now could be considered a win given the macro headwinds.

— Kif Leswing,Annie Palmer,Jordan Novet, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of affluent

Adjective

Ocean iron fertilization grew from the idea that iron-rich dust blown across the oceans during past ice ages fed blooms of phytoplankton, helping to lower atmospheric CO₂.

— Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
That opened the door to a rich landscape of DIY VR development, complete with software tools and hardware advice on how to get started.

— Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 19 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of wealthy

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