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 Baitz’s story is set in Palm Springs, in December, 2004, at the home of Polly and Lyman Wyeth, an opulent sandstone aerie with meditative views of the desert, a massive Christmas tree, and portraits of eminences like Barry Goldwater. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026 Fortunately, gawkers can get their fix by touring Doris Duke's opulent 1937 estate at Black Point. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026 During the Counter-Reformation, Catholicism leaned into opulent and lavish Baroque art. — Kristin Idaszak, Longreads, 22 Oct. 2026 The new photo gives fans an inside look at Frogmore House—which is located near the palace—with the William and Kate backdropped by an opulent staircase. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • For families The Peninsula appeals to wealthy leisure travelers and C-suite business types, but families are welcome.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Something that looms large is wealthy business titans trying to exert profound, direct influence over American politics and policies.
    — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Rebecca Udall's brand has caught our attention because of the bedding's delicate scalloped edges, ornate embroidery, and elegant designs that make sleep feel a little more luxurious.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
  • There might be other luxurious heritage hotels set on the banks of the Bosphorus, but none of them have a view that can compete with The Peninsula's.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
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
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
  • Majid has found work as the babysitter to Gabriel, the three-year-old son of an affluent French family.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Low-income students were more likely than their affluent peers to vote for Democrats.
    — Sara Suzuki, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026
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
Adjective
  • Rooms start at the deluxe category, which are still plenty sizable with a big balcony, both a shower and a bathtub, and a small seating area.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Thankfully safe and sound after an October tour bus fire, Muna are bouncing back with a deluxe edition of their May album Dancing on the Wall.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Photos in the listing show off the lavish two-story entrance way, gourmet kitchen, large breakfast room, private cinema, en-suite bedrooms, and sprawling lush green gardens.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 Nov. 2026
  • This lavish hotspot with multiple locations in Los Angeles as well as outposts in Austin and Las Vegas, is a modern steakhouse with a bit of flair.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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