OPULENT Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

opulent

adjective

ˈä-pyə-lənt

Definition of opulent

as in wealthy

having goods, property, or money in abundance an opulent upper crust that liked to show off its possessions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in luxurious

showing obvious signs of wealth and comfort an opulent mansion filled with priceless art and antiques

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 chef’s special chirashi boxes are striking, opulent collections of the day’s bounty. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for opulent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent

Adjective

Agnes’s gay son, Oscar, has decided to marry wealthy widow and former lady’s maid Enid, whose social ambitions will benefit from the prestige gloss of Oscar’s last name.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
But there is another ballot measure that also would tax California’s wealthiest citizens that is getting far less attention — and has even garnered support from some billionaires who oppose Proposition 40.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of wealthy

Adjective

Made with Malabar black pepper imported directly from India, beef jus, cream and lots of cognac, the luxurious sauce is drizzled over a 12-ounce prime striploin.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
My 50-minute massage was enhanced by a collagen face mask with pumpkin extract—a new one to me, but a welcome add-on that felt super luxurious.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of luxurious

Adjective

However, sometimes chuck and top sirloin are used, offering a richer, more flavorful, marbled cut.

— Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
Because the album is rich with melody—because the compositions snake so readily from note to note, compared to Malone’s previous works—inklings of narrative start to seep from the foggy passages.

— Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of rich

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

Definition of luxuriant

Adjective

The backstory This property has quite the history—originally built in 1868, its roots date back to the Gilded Age era when affluent families summered here (and big names like the Vanderbilts and the Astors took up residence nearby).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
Lamont and Republican gubernatorial contender Ryan Fazio, both from the affluent Fairfield County suburb of Greenwich, share the conviction that taxing the rich would spark an exodus of wealthy households from Connecticut.

— Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of affluent

Adjective

Jackson Hole's first and only ski-in, ski-out ultra-luxury private club and residences, which opened in January 2026, has five-star amenities, personalized service, and accommodations that rival the swishiest rentals.

— Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
An ultra-luxury South Beach office building where Playboy has its headquarters is seeking approval for $50 million worth of upgrades and an extension of its lease with the city that would run into the next century.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of luxury

Adjective

Crime, courts and policing A Glendale Botox doctor used $45 million in Medicare money to fund her lavish lifestyle, feds say.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
But in the late 1800s, the city’s draw was healing mineral springs, not IPAs, which is why George Vanderbilt built his lavish 250-room French Renaissance chateau here.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of lavish

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opulence

opulent

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“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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