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

Trump's inaugural, right behind them three wealthiest guys in America. —Meghan Mistry, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2025

Accrington were not and are not a wealthy club, and Barry paid out of his own pocket to go on a series of courses, including one about the benefits of meditation. —Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025

Public-private partnerships can bolster this effort by funding and implementing robust digital infrastructure, preventing advances in AI and computing from becoming the exclusive privilege of wealthier communities. —Cathy Hackl, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

The fabulously wealthy Octopussy is seen in jumpsuits, saris, and all manner of wardrobe, but nothing expresses her style so well as this personalized silk robe, bearing a painting of the cephalopod that inspired her nickname on the back. —EW.com, 23 Mar. 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