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

Easy to get in, hard to move up Drawn to the state’s lax COVID restrictions, warm climate and favorable tax policies, wealthy transplants poured into Florida — South Florida, in particular — during and after the pandemic. —Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 21 Nov. 2025

While most countries hardest hit by measles are lower-income countries in the Global South, wealthier countries have also seen significant outbreaks. —Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 21 Nov. 2025

These investments have strengthened Walmart’s position with lower and middle-income shoppers, helping the company attract new, wealthier consumers looking to save. —Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025

Their secret weekend in the Swiss Alps is three years in the past — that is, until Edward reappears more wealthy, more powerful and more irresistible than ever. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 21 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