wealthy

1 of 2

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

wealthiness

2 of 2

noun

wealth·​i·​ness -thēnə̇s 

-thin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being wealthy : richness, opulence

Synonyms of wealthy

Adjective

• 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

Adjective

He is a wealthy entrepreneur.

the wealthiest nations in the world

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In July, China imposed a 20% income tax on assets moved into offshore trusts since 2023, closing a longstanding loophole used by wealthy families for asset protection and succession planning. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Raman’s progressive credentials and DSA backing might make his more conservative, wealthy voters do just that. — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

And with estimates starting as low as 120 Singapore dollars ($95), for a Miu Miu ring or a Gucci hair clip, these items aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy. — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

His wife, Mi-ok (Jeon Do-yeon), sees therapeutic possibility in a labor documentary being directed by Ye-ji (Cho Yeo-jeong), who is herself married to wealthy private-equity honcho Sang-woo (Zo In-sung). — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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