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

Top-down mandates from Sacramento that make sense for a school in a wealthy ZIP code make no sense for one in a rural area. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026

The figures suggest lower-income Americans have cut back on driving, perhaps by carpooling, taking public transportation, or combining errands into fewer trips, while wealthier Americans have had to make few, if any, changes. —Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026

No oil fortunes were made in New England, although there were many wealthy families. —Lawrence K. Altman, STAT, 7 May 2026

They can be owned by wealthy people indulging in an expensive hobby or an Olympic athlete talented enough to make a living from this niche sport. —Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 May 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