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

No company—no matter how wealthy—can silence the cause of workers demanding justice. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

Such a system might also discourage very wealthy Americans with a lot of passive U.S. income from setting up residence in low-tax jurisdictions. —Tyler Cowen, Sun Sentinel, 28 Nov. 2024

For many, the definition of being wealthy is just not having to live paycheck to paycheck. —Lorie Konish, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2024

Ruby, a scholarship student, and James, a wealthy heir, navigate school politics, family dynamics, and unexpected (well, not so unexpected) love. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 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