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

• 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 Valkyries have drawn a different audience from the one that usually brings a wealthy, corporate vibe to this same arena. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025

If Musk and his fans are right, Musk would become far wealthier even without any additional shares of Tesla stock. —Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025

Many wealthy individuals have fallen ill and subsequently endowed medical facilities. —Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025

The sports bankers told CNBC that people who are wealthy but don't have the super wealth to buy a controlling stake are willing to purchase a small minority stake at an amount that would buy a controlling interest in another league. —Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 4 Sep. 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