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

• 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

The best option to fix this problem is for wealthy people to pay their share. —Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025

India's wealthy are also looking for opportunities outside the country. —Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025

As the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is one of Italy’s wealthiest cities, with a fast-growing economy. —Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Cadence Sinclair Eastman comes from a wealthy family that visits Beechwood Island, near Martha’s Vineyard, every summer. —Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 14 Aug. 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