Definition of opulentnext

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 At Singapore’s One°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, this opportunity to enjoy opulent waterfront living is a major membership driver, explains general manager Nick McLaughlin. — Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026 The restaurant is named for India’s zamindars — the feudal landlords who held power as aristocrats for centuries — and the lush and opulent space shows it, decked out with Indian art, heritage architectural touches, brass accents and warm lighting. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 Oscar-winning actress Jessie Buckley and Game of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie handed out this year’s BFI & Chanel Filmmaker Awards during an opulent ceremony at London’s Claridge’s Hotel on Wednesday. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 Window treatments and textured fabrics will make a room look more opulent. — Megan McCarty, The Spruce, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • And one health care consultancy that finds doctors and mental health care for wealthy families charges retainers starting at $30,000 for 50 hours.
    — Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • As trust in America weakens further, other wealthy nations will make the same calculation.
    — Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Zook Cabins The bathroom, by contrast, is comparatively luxurious.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Nike has released countless premium renditions of its beloved Air Max 95 sneaker over its three decades-plus on the market, but few are as luxurious as the aptly named Air Max 95 Lux.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Ocean iron fertilization grew from the idea that iron-rich dust blown across the oceans during past ice ages fed blooms of phytoplankton, helping to lower atmospheric CO₂.
    — Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • That opened the door to a rich landscape of DIY VR development, complete with software tools and hardware advice on how to get started.
    — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Olivia Miles, the rookie point guard for the Minnesota Lynx, wears a pair of bug-eyed sports goggles, black and bulbous, sometimes held in place by a thick strap that runs through her luxuriant Afro.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • At the end of the fifth group, one girl’s face blossomed into a radiant flower, and another drew herself with luxuriant pigtails, standing beneath a bright red beating heart.
    — James Gordon, Time, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Founder Philip Manghisi tested the market through seasonal pop-ups before committing to a permanent location, citing Park City’s affluent customer base and limited luxury retail competition.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • During his stint as president from 2006 to 2010, the company sold predominantly $200 and $300 jeans to affluent department-store shoppers with household incomes around $250,000.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But two segments of the market — ultra-luxury homes and more affordable condos — were still going strong in September, according to new data from the Miami Association of Realtors.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Ultra-luxury all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas Cruises will inaugurate its full-winter Mediterranean program this year—with pricing inclusive of excursions, food, beverages, and amenities like Wi-Fi.
    — Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • My deluxe room on the second floor had high ceilings and views of the Swiss Institute across the street.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
  • All five extra songs will be available in a standalone vinyl edition, as well as in a deluxe 2CD edition and across all digital formats.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Strong reviews should continue to propel the lavish film at the box office, which carries a substantial $100 million price tag.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Kim Kardashian’s parade of 46th birthday outfits continues, and her most recent night-out ensemble might be her most lavish look yet.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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