wealthy

adjective

ˈwel-thē 

also ˈwelt-thē

wealthier; wealthiest

1

: having wealth : very affluent

2

: characterized by abundance : ample

wealthily

ˈwel-thə-lē 

adverb

wealthiness

ˈwel-thē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of wealthy

• affluent
• rich

Choose the Right Synonym for wealthy

rich, wealthy, affluent, opulent mean having goods, property, and money in abundance.

rich implies having more than enough to gratify normal needs or desires.

became rich through shrewd investing

wealthy stresses the possession of property and intrinsically valuable things.

wealthy landowners

affluent suggests prosperity and an increasing wealth.

an affluent society

opulent suggests lavish expenditure and display of great wealth, more often applying to things than people.

an opulent mansion

Examples of wealthy in a Sentence

He is a wealthy entrepreneur.

the wealthiest nations in the world

Recent Examples on the Web

The story follows a woman who accepts a job as a housemaid to a wealthy couple, and stumbles across the family's dark secrets along the way. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025

For much of the 20th century, the road separated mostly Black neighborhoods closer to downtown from northern neighborhoods that tend to be Whiter and wealthier. —Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 5 Dec. 2025

Meanwhile, wealthier Americans, public pension funds and some of the largest union pension funds have long enjoyed access to private markets. —Joe Donnelly, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

Advertisement For wealthier families, the picture looks entirely different. —Neale Mahoney, Time, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wealthy

• the wealthy

Rhymes for wealthy

• healthy
• stealthy
• unhealthy

Kids Definition

wealthy

adjective

ˈwel-thē 

wealthier; wealthiest

1

: having wealth : rich

2

: marked by plenty : abundant

wealthiness

-thē-nəs 

noun