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

The Abattis are wealthy landowners and farmers in the Imperial Valley. —Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026

So while Coop might be able to rob his wealthy neighbors blind, Hamm’s real-life criminal career would be extremely short-lived — done in by guilt before the getaway car even left the driveway. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026

The film centers on a wealthy family whose polished exterior begins to crack when an ancient centipede spirit infiltrates their bloodline. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026

This change, which would begin in 2027 and generate about $260 million per year, is likely to draw strong opposition from Lamont, a wealthy Greenwich businessman and fiscal moderate who consistently has said such tax hikes would prompt the state’s biggest taxpayers to flee the state. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2026

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