opulence

noun

op·​u·​lence ˈä-pyə-lən(t)s 

1

: wealth, affluence

the opulence of prerevolutionary monarchs

2

: abundance, profusion

an opulence of fruits

Synonyms of opulence

• wealth
• assets

Examples of opulence in a Sentence

in some parts of the city nearly unimaginable opulence can be found side by side with nearly unthinkable poverty

Recent Examples on the Web

Not only that, but the population was booming, the extreme opulence of the upper class contrasted sharply against the harrowing poverty found in the slums, the Romantic movement was flourishing, and the middle class was emerging. —Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026

This is a beguiling mixture of opulence and severity, impossible to locate historically or stylistically. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

The Lost Tapes grants viewers a glimpse into that life through Taylor’s candid reflections on it all—the romances, the tragedies, the opulence, and the scandals. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026

Four Seasons Private Residences Jacksonville Fans of the Four Seasons brand can expect a degree of opulence and service wherever a new property hangs its sign, from Anguilla to Bahrain to Tanzania. —Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin opulentia, from opulentus "abounding in resources, opulent" + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1518, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

opulence

noun

op·​u·​lence ˈäp-yə-lən(t)s 

: great wealth