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 Napoleonic tailoring is reworked through a modern lens, and ruffled necklines and opulent bows overtake more demure details. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 June 2026 Dinner is served in the opulent Oak Room Restaurant, and like the curtains, the menu skews towards rich, heavy and conventionally British. Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 2 June 2026 This area of the Oltrarno is one of huge contrasts where artisan workshops stand meters from the grand palazzi whose aristocratic owners once employed cabinet makers, picture framers, furniture painters, and upholsterers to decorate their opulent homes. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 While the through note on these stellar wines was red- and black-berry flavors with opulent tannins and touches of spice, earth, and dark chocolate, each wine was distinct and reflective of its season. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • The Season’s characters, entertaining in their obnoxiously wealthy and drama-prone ways but not exactly dimensional, simply aren’t built for close scrutiny.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
  • Targets included wealthy people and politicians, Proper told investigators, according to a criminal complaint.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Investing in a decadent body butter is like upgrading your flimsy blanket to a plush throw or changing scratchy sheets for a luxurious cotton set—the small change makes a huge difference in your life.
    Irene Richardson, InStyle, 16 June 2026
  • Thoughtful amenities include complimentary bottled water, hydration packets, and plush beds with a selection of Malouf pillows for a luxurious night’s sleep, while floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies or patios showcase the scenery.
    Tamara Gane, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Plenty of restaurants in New York are preposterously expensive, and Marcel is, too—a cocktail alone can run more than forty bucks—but the restaurant pulls off the much rarer trick of feeling actually rich.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
  • Gardena and salted amber give this shimmery body mist a rich, tropical vacation sort of scent profile.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • My room had a four-poster bed, a cast-iron stove and a luxuriant bathroom with a set of two freestanding baths and a large farmhouse sink.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The luxuriant texture combined with the umami depth-charge can stun a table into silence.
    Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The iPhone Ultra is a high-margin smartphone that can serve as a lightning rod to attract the highest and most affluent consumers.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • Despite the main attraction outside, the affluent neighborhood has quiet streets and is well-positioned just above the main shopping of the Gran Vía.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The membership club, founded in partnership with Splendid Sea AG, is a first-of-its kind experience meant to transfer the ultra-luxury lifestyle that the Maybach brand brings to the open road to the water.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
  • By 2016, his youngest brother had joined the team, and for over a decade, the partnership remained steady, placing S3 Ingenieros in the world of ultra-luxury development.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 2 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Although Kirby Smart and mascot Hairy Dawg made the rather crowded deluxe cover of the college football game in 2026, no Georgia or Georgia Tech player has ever received such an honor.
    Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 3 June 2026
  • Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava and Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore also appear on the deluxe cover.
    David Ubben, New York Times, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • At a dinner in Davos in 2020, Infantino introduced Trump with lavish praise and compared him to a top soccer player.
    Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 11 June 2026
  • Wrigley and Anderson planned a lavish destination wedding in Ireland and had already sent out invitations, but the wedding was called off because Anderson wouldn’t sign a prenup, a former staffer said.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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