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
  • India's wealthy are also looking for opportunities outside the country.
    Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The best option to fix this problem is for wealthy people to pay their share.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 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
  • 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
  • The whiskey features rich aromas of vanilla, pipe tobacco, old leather, and cinnamon.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This policy opened nearly $9 trillion dollars of 401(k) accounts that only had access to asset classes typically reserved for institutional and affluent level investors, and this presents opportunity and risk.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Networks that are headquartered in major cities, and that can turn to large or affluent membership bases during fund-raising drives, will have an easier time making up shortfalls.
    Oliver Whang, New Yorker, 7 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
  • For a deluxe edition track that debuted more than a year ago and which wasn’t pushed as a single, that’s a solid showing.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • In March, Ballerini released the deluxe version of her album Patterns.
    Daniela Avila, People.com, 28 July 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 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on opulent

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