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 months before his victory at the November 4 election, Florida politicians and real estate agents were courting fearful and disgruntled wealthy New Yorkers who would find their lives getting a little bit harder under the leadership of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

Which may seem odd, given that billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg have their own high-security subterranean retreats as preparations for the end times seemingly go more mainstream among the country's wealthiest people. —Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

They are accused of targeting working-class and wealthy communities in Suffolk County, a suburban area that covers the eastern half of Long Island. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 28 Nov. 2025

Switzerland’s billionaires represent the top one percent of its 5,597 ultra-wealthy population and control more than 19 percent of the total fortune of this group. —Carolin Roth, CNBC, 28 Nov. 2025

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