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 portrait, painted during Rembrandt’s later years, depicts Catrina Hooghsaet, a wealthy Mennonite woman from Amsterdam, who lived apart from her husband. — News Desk, Artforum, 28 Aug. 2026 Rembrandt’s portrait depicts Catrina Hooghsaet, a wealthy member of Amsterdam’s 17th-century Mennonite community who lived separately from her husband. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The 35-year-old man acted wealthy, sending photos and videos of himself purportedly in designer clothes, nice cars and expensive jewelry, the criminal complaint said. — Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2026 Why are only wealthy owners with two residences asked to pay more to support the mayor’s agenda? — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wealthy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wealthy

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

So these ingredients can significantly boost fiber intake without adding traditional fiber-rich foods.

— Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 26 Aug. 2026
Norman is the 26th richest member of Congress, including both the House of Representatives and the Senate, according to Quiver Quantitative Live Net Worth Tracker's list.

— Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of wealthy

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