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

Ironically, the best path forward for programs like that would be a wealthy donor putting money into the program. —Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026

Regardless of any such warnings, expect enormous spending from unions, charter advocates, business interests and wealthy donors. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026

There have been numerous conspiracy theories that Epstein was killed because of his connection to wealthy and powerful people. —Daniel Ruetenik, CBS News, 4 June 2026

Along First Street, fashionable young couples and wealthy empty nesters strolled by sidewalk pergolas. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 4 June 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