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 next

as in affluent

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 In fact, wealthy Northern and Western Europeans had death rates 35 percent lower than the wealthiest Americans, whose lifespans were more like the poorest in Northern and Western Europe—which includes countries such as France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. —

ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025 Back in the 1800s, this area was a popular destination for wealthy New Orleanians who wanted to distance themselves from yellow fever outbreaks in the city. —

Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2025 Trump's inaugural, right behind them three wealthiest guys in America. —

Meghan Mistry, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2025 Accrington were not and are not a wealthy club, and Barry paid out of his own pocket to go on a series of courses, including one about the benefits of meditation. —

Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wealthy

Browse Nearby Words

wealths

wealthy

weaned

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wealthy. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 7 Apr 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of wealthy

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on wealthy

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

adversity

Popular in Grammar & Usage

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

Popular

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of wealthy

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on wealthy

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

adversity

Popular in Grammar & Usage

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

Popular

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

Games & Quizzes