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 But if the promise of these sights wasn’t tempting enough, Airbnb has a number of jaw-dropping listings that allow travelers to enjoy the country with a more immersive experience—like the opulent Villa Il Cigno, located directly on the shores of Lake Como. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026 The icon stepped out for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reunion in an opulent look that did not disappoint. Christina Perrier, InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026 There were scenes set at the Khan family’s opulent 1920s estate out on Long Island. Literary Hub, 8 Apr. 2026 The lavish designs—velvet couches, massive headboards, opulent wallpaper, texture everywhere—were done by Jacques Garcia, famed for his lush and ultra-Parisian taste. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • Somehow his childhood friend went from gas fitter to the nation’s wealthiest man.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Warsh, a former top official at the Fed and a wealthy investor, faced a range of tough questions at the hearing.
    Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The memory foam insole is a dream for long travel days, and the slip-on design makes breezing through TSA feel almost luxurious.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Solid Face Cleanser combines gentle yet effective ingredients for a luxurious cleansing experience.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Young certainly could make adjustments based on that reality, but his language is so rich that his poetry also frequently makes its own lyrical case.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The Quince version has a burgundy interior for a rich-looking touch of color.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The luxuriant texture combined with the umami depth-charge can stun a table into silence.
    Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • There was a long, luxuriant lunch at Suginome, one of the city's oldest ryōtei, a genre of restaurant that, not so long ago, offered entertainment by geisha and private rooms where businessmen and politicians made deals over elaborate dinners.
    Alex Halberstadt, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Across youth sports, affluent families are making enormous financial and logistical bets on their children’s athletic futures—relocating across state lines, buying second homes near top-tier academies, and spending well into six figures annually on tuition, private coaching, travel, and club teams.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Socialists like to spend money — lots of other people’s money, of course — and Mamdani has been hampered by the fiscal stewards of Albany who, thankfully for New York City, aren’t likely to allow his more egregious schemes that would only drive away more of the city’s crucial affluent class.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Silver Ray offers an upbeat, energetic vibe rarely felt on ultra-luxury ships.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The latter may reestablish Cadillac as a performance brand, while the former — a handmade bespoke offering that starts at $400,000 — brings ultra-luxury levels back to the iconic company.
    Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Next month, the deluxe version of the Midnight Sun album drops, called Girls Trip.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The ground-level studio apartment, which serves as a deluxe guest suite, has its own kitchen, full bathroom, and washer/dryer unit.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Things came to a head in 2014 when Pethő broke a story about the lavish expenses of a minister in Orbán’s government.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Crundwell used the money to finance her quarter horse business and lavish lifestyle, according to the FBI.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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