well-to-do

adjective

ˌwel-tə-ˈdü 

: having more than adequate financial resources : prosperous

a well-to-do family

Synonyms of well-to-do

• wealthy
• rich
• affluent

Examples of well-to-do in a Sentence

a doctor who is now quite well-to-do as a result of his successful medical practice

Recent Examples on the Web

Moreover, in the early 20th century, many people (especially more well-to-do families) became accustomed to departing inland towns and cities for the summer months to a more summery locale on the coast or at a lake. — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2026

But by rooting her tale in Maya’s family ties, the writer-director explores the complicity of well-to-do South Asian diasporas, and the foundations that afford them the luxury of emigrating in the first place. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries depict well-to-do folks sporting eyeglasses — including Benjamin Franklin, who invented bifocals. — Kevin Brasler, Washington Post, 3 Sep. 2026

Ella Beatty plays the daughter of a well-to-do New England family who develops a close relationship with her maid after abuse from her parents. — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for well-to-do

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue

Kids Definition

well-to-do

adjective

ˌwel-tə-ˈdü

: having plenty of money and possessions : prosperous