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 scandal exposed how some wealthy families cheated and bribed to secure spots for their children at elite universities, sparking nationwide outrage over denied opportunities for more deserving students. —Hanna Park, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025

In this creative director, Balenciaga’s parent company Kering has nabbed for itself a top couturier with a pent-up following of wealthy people who will freely spend. —Sarah Mower, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2025

The population of the ultra-wealthy is also growing rapidly. —Robert Frank, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025

Designed by Piero Portaluppi for wealthy industrialist sisters Nedda and Gigina Necchi (and Gigina’s husband Angelo Campiglio), the home is a masterpiece of 1930s rationalist design with a large garden, pool, and tennis court right in the center of the city. —Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 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