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

That puts it reassuringly outside the capability of even a wealthy tech bro, who wouldn’t have the money or the diplomatic alliances required, as Cynthia Scharf, senior fellow at the International Center for Future Generations, told me. —Lara Williams, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024

The opposing views underscored the challenge at the heart of the climate negotiations: while nations are urged to shift to green energy sources, many, including wealthy Western nations, continue to rely on fossil fuels. —Reuters, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024

La Salle, then in his mid-thirties, was the son of wealthy merchants. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2024

Like his father, Lucius is enslaved and forced to fight as a gladiator for the entertainment of a wealthy Roman emperor and hordes of bloodthirsty spectators. —Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week Us, theweek, 8 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wealthy

• the wealthy

Kids Definition

wealthy

adjective

ˈwel-thē 

wealthier; wealthiest

1

: having wealth : rich

2

: marked by plenty : abundant

wealthiness

-thē-nəs 

noun