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
• deep-pocketed
• fat
• fat-cat
• flush
• loaded
• moneyed
• monied
• opulent
• rich
• silk-stocking
• well-endowed
• well-fixed
• well-heeled
• well-off
• well-to-do

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

Whaling was also one of the few industries where Black Americans, both free and formerly enslaved, could make money and become wealthy. —Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025

Other wealthy influencers have taken up residence not far from the White House, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who purchased in the Woodland Normanstone neighborhood, Politico reported. —Carol Ross Joynt, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2025

In Japan, Timeshares Are Back: A new model of ownership is allowing middle-class families and wealthy vacationers alike to buy a piece of alluring properties. —Julie Lasky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

This season is set at The White Lotus resort in Thailand, where a wealthy businessman, Timothy Ratliff (Jason Isaacs), is visiting with his wife, Victoria (Parker Posey) and their grown children Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola). —Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 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