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

For now, however, McCartney’s entry into the billionaire ranks places him behind only Jay-Z and Swift among the world’s wealthiest musicians. — Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026

But 43% of access plans for non-communicable diseases — specifically, sickle cell disease, diabetes, and mental health — focus solely on regulatory registrations and primarily in wealthy countries. — Senior, STAT, 10 Nov. 2026

Sotheby’s International Realty’s 2026 Mid-Year Luxury Outlook found that wealthy homebuyers are designing their lives — and homes — around longevity, blurring the line between a luxury estate and a private wellness retreat. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026

The school district of a wealthy suburb outside a major East Coast city may not need to grapple with the widespread school closings that urban districts are already experiencing. — Jesús Fernández-Villaverde, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2026

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