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 Known for his refined blend of modernism, art nouveau, and classical flair, Sagnier designed everything from opulent villas to landmark churches. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 May 2025 The five-star gem is certainly the most opulent property within the park—or in Scotland, for that matter. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2025 Bloom has quickly become TikTok’s favorite soft-spoken socialite, offering her 2 million followers an exclusive glimpse into her opulent world. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025 While Francis wanted a less opulent burial than is traditional for popes and made changes to the church's book on funeral rites, some of the usual elements such as the three stations of the procedure, named after where those key moments take place, remain in place. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • Tax cuts that disproportionately benefit wealthier Americans and new tax deductions for tips also are included in the legislation.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Yet by Holly Jackson A famed Y.A. author’s first foray into adult fiction centers on Jet Mason, the wayward daughter of a wealthy Vermont family.
    Laura Thompson, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • On Sunday, May 11, the Today with Jenna & Friends host, 43, gave a glimpse into her special day, which included a luxurious breakfast in bed.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 12 May 2025
  • This sustainability-minded property emerges from the jungle to reveal a collection of 16 luxurious overwater bungalows, each featuring a private plunge pool and outdoor deck complete with a fire pit.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Russian dressing, a thick, chunky Thousand Island, is rich enough.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
  • China has increased coast guard patrols in these waters, which studies have suggested may be rich in oil and natural gas reserves.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • These areas tend to have affluent shoppers who have the time for and interest in shopping that way.
    Alexandra Talty, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • The hotel brand surveyed 503 affluent U.S. adults between late February and early March, defined as those with household income of at least $250,000; a minimum of $1 million in total assets, and those who typically spend $10,000 or more on leisure travel annually.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • It is also known as Damask or Damascene rose and is revered for its luxuriant scent.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The development pre-built its luxuriant landscaping and outdoor plazas, then incorporated an indoor golf simulator, fitness center and café as tenant amenities.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Later this month, Green Day will release the deluxe edition of its most recent album Saviors.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • The new album is a deluxe version of León’s 2024 Palabra de To’s.
    Griselda Flores, Billboard, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • At the same time, the preview offered a peek into the dark side behind the attorneys’ success and lavish lifestyles.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 22 May 2025
  • There were 13 Leos before him: The first, Leo the Great, was a fifth-century theologian who helped heal the doctrinal divisions among early Christians; Leo X, a member of the powerful Medici family, helped provoke the Protestant Reformation with his lavish lifestyle and sale of indulgences.
    Nathan Schneider, The Conversation, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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