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

Unless something changes, the future of BPS football at White Stadium will be determined by a few wealthy soccer team owners from across the nation — not anyone here in Boston. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

Arnault on Thursday emphasized LVMH's aspiration to move further into the luxury jewelry business, which has held up better amid the sector's slump as those consumers are typically wealthier and less price sensitive. —Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026

In the early 1900s, Edward Drummond Libbey, a wealthy Ohio glass manufacturer, is said to have fallen in love with the dusty town of Nordhoff while on vacation. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Gates and Buffett co-founded the Giving Pledge The two most prominent givers on the new Forbes list, Gates and Buffett, are co-founders of the Giving Pledge, a 2010 initiative that encouraged the ultra-wealthy to divert half or more of their wealth to charity. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 23 Apr. 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