Synonym Chooser

How is the word opulent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of opulent are affluent, rich, and wealthy. While all these words mean "having goods, property, and money in abundance," opulent suggests lavish expenditure and display of great wealth, more often applying to things than people.

an opulent mansion

Where would affluent be a reasonable alternative to opulent?

While the synonyms affluent and opulent are close in meaning, affluent suggests prosperity and an increasing wealth.

an affluent society

When can rich be used instead of opulent?

While in some cases nearly identical to opulent, rich implies having more than enough to gratify normal needs or desires.

became rich through shrewd investing

When is wealthy a more appropriate choice than opulent?

The words wealthy and opulent can be used in similar contexts, but wealthy stresses the possession of property and intrinsically valuable things.

wealthy landowners

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of opulent Nearly a century later, The Boca Raton, which houses five resorts and all the amazing amenities that come with them, has undergone a sweeping reimagination, unveiling a $375 million transformation that honors Mizner’s opulent aesthetic while refreshing every corner for modern luxury travelers. Katie Lara, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 The Mandarin Oriental is a luxury hotel chain that prides itself on its traditional, opulent aesthetic and extravagant accommodations. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2025 Lexus' full-size hybrid SUV manages to provide an opulent driver and passenger experience while still boasting the off-road capability that many large Toyota and Lexus SUVs have become known for in the past few decades. Charles Singh, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025 The landscapes of southernmost Louisiana pair opulent biodiversity with postapocalyptic desolation. Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • For perspective, the net worth of the seven wealthiest people in the world--all AI luminaries including Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Google’s Larry Page and Sergey Brin and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang--exceeds $2 trillion, close to the GDP of Canada.
    Martine Paris, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In a recent interview with The School of Hard Knocks, a popular social-media channel known for interviewing wealthy entrepreneurs, Repole shared his contrarian view on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the brutal realities that most success stories gloss over.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the case of the wife in the viral TikTok video, the Maldives—often cited among the world's most luxurious honeymoon destinations—was a total surprise.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Besides, what feels more luxurious than slipping into a five-star hotel robe and slippers?
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Eating a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome.
    Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Niacinamide, which is a form of Vitamin B3, is rich in antioxidants that help combat oily and sun-damaged skin, according to the brand.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2022, a Chenequa house on the opposite side of the lake sold for $15 million as part of a post-pandemic ultra-luxury home boom in Wisconsin.
    Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This ultra-luxury flagship will feature 163 keys, many with private plunge pools and views of the Sea of Cortez.
    Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet Curia Capital finds only about 25% of affluent women feel comfortable managing investments compared to 40% of men.
    Joyce Marter, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • North America is the largest market, largely due to its concentration of affluent consumers.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond it is a three-hectare haven of silvery olive trees, luxuriant Washingtonia palms, and lawns where peacocks wander freely.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Meanwhile, a beard provided a simpler solution: a luxuriant facial covering requiring only the occasional scissor trim—no barber necessary.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • The summer of 2025 was essentially a deluxe version of 2022.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • As the drinks flow during a gathering of faculty and PhD students at their deluxe digs, Alma’s doting husband Frederick (Michael Stuhlbarg), another shrink, teasingly asks what happens if one of them gets tenure and the other doesn’t.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The designer, who turned 76 on June 27, is known for her lavish birthday bashes.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Some have lost fortunes due to family drama and trauma, seen their homes go up in flames or watched their money disappear due to too much partying and lavish spending.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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