wealthy

adjective

ˈwel-thē How to pronounce wealthy (audio)
 also  ˈwelt-thē
wealthier; wealthiest
1
: having wealth : very affluent
2
: characterized by abundance : ample
wealthily adverb
wealthiness noun
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
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.
Though neither teen was even remotely wealthy, Mouse’s life was blanketed with a security Tupac’s lacked. Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025 At the same time, the state assemblyman’s calls to raise taxes on wealthy people and intense criticisms of the Israel’s military actions in Gaza have unnerved some centrists and conservatives, as well as many Jewish New Yorkers. Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025 Built in 1867 by wealthy businessman William Culbertson, the home has become infamous for unexplained phenomena. Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025 Private aviation also saw a noticeable bump there in 2022 as a result of wealthy buyers looking to avoid public transportation. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wealthy

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wealthy was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wealthy. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

wealthy

adjective
wealthier; wealthiest
1
: having wealth : rich
2
: marked by plenty : abundant
wealthiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on wealthy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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