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

Their owners include schoolteachers and secretaries alongside some of Los Angeles’ wealthiest families. — Emma Madden, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

The club’s exclusivity has also put Bezos in company with several other extraordinarily wealthy people who have not managed to get through the gates. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

With deposits in China generating low returns and no access to more lucrative foreign assets to invest in, wealthy individuals and business owners have sought to find ways to funnel their money out of the country. — Alvin Camba, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2026

Visitors – mostly from the capital’s wealthier east side – who had spent the evening riding the cable car over the hillside and stopping at neighborhood bars, murals, and food stands, now danced with locals under the open sky. — Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 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