opulent

adjective

op·​u·​lent ˈä-pyə-lənt 

: exhibiting or characterized by opulence: such as

a

: amply or plentifully provided or fashioned often to the point of ostentation

living in opulent comfort

opulent furnishings

an opulent hotel

b

dated : having a large estate or property : wealthy

an opulent family

opulent industrialists

opulently adverb

Synonyms of opulent

• wealthy
• rich
• affluent

Choose the Right Synonym for opulent

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 opulent in a Sentence

an opulent upper crust that liked to show off its possessions

an opulent mansion filled with priceless art and antiques

Recent Examples on the Web

Qianlong, one of history’s greatest and most prolific collectors, had opulent taste and seemingly bottomless funds. — Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Both opulent mansions were built in the 19th century and feature sprawling grounds, with authentic Victorian fixtures and furniture in the Vaile mansion drawing visitors from all over the world. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026

Top 5 Can’t Miss A former family mansion, the elegant Villa Igiea is one of Palermo’s most opulent stays, with a history of hosting celebrities and royals during its early years. — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2026

Visitors can roam its lavish halls to admire the intricate decorations and furnishings in its opulent interiors, from the Throne Room to the Royal Armory. — Jennifer Fernández Solano, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin opulentus "abounding in resources, wealthy," from op-, *ops "power, ability, wealth" + -ulentus "having in quantity, full of" (probably dissimilated from *-o-u̯ent-os, with Indo-European *-u̯ent-, suffix of possession) — more at opus

First Known Use

circa 1518, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

opulent

adjective

op·​u·​lent ˈäp-yə-lənt 

: having or showing much wealth

opulently adverb