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 The brand’s identity is inspired by Chevaux de Marly statues, which pay tribute to the opulent 18th-century French court and the king’s twin passions: perfume and racing horses. Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2025 The earthy tones and luxurious fabrics aren’t too opulent for the washing machine, however. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2025 The word ermine was meant to invoke images of the soft, fluffy, opulent white fur that adorned royal garments of yore. Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 27 July 2025 The understatement of the brand is meant to reflect the austere façades of Milanese buildings, which hide rich and opulent interiors and beautiful courtyards and gardens. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • The best option to fix this problem is for wealthy people to pay their share.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
  • India's wealthy are also looking for opportunities outside the country.
    Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Last Crumb's cookies are excellent edible gifts, with a luxurious flavor and mouthfeel and the price tag to match.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Accompanying the single, Cardi directed a luxurious visual alongside Patientce Foster.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The whiskey features rich aromas of vanilla, pipe tobacco, old leather, and cinnamon.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Shot over three years on a vintage Bolex camera, the film is a rich portrait of an elderly, unnamed woman who, born in a cave more than 60 years ago, now lives in a village caring for her children and grandchildren.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Frierson, 60, who stands 6-feet tall, has made good use of her comeback story — and her big heart and big personality — to attract supporters from all over Nashville, including the city's most affluent areas.
    Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Already reeling from the loss of the popular couple, neighbors in their affluent community — which has seen an uptick in crime recently — demanded answers.
    Danielle Bacher, People.com, 20 Aug. 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
  • These albums began the series of ace archival projects over the past decade, starting with the pivotal deluxe editions of Sgt. Pepper and the White Album, as well as films like Eight Days A Week: The Touring Years, Beatles ’64, and Peter Jackson’s Get Back.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Boasting 13 tracks and an additional 12 tracks across several deluxe versions, Swift's 10th album smashed streaming records for both the highest single day and the highest single week while also selling one million copies in its debut week.
    Nicole Sands, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Menu highlights include Bavarian pretzels, hot wings, pizza, burgers and lavish charcuterie boards.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Since turning into tourist hot spots, these lavish bathrooms helped drive Deji’s daily foot traffic to a record 335,000 during the Labor Day Golden Week in May.
    Denni Hu, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on opulent

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