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
  • The discovery is so surprising because even though AGNs are rich with gas and dust — the building blocks of planets — the turbulent conditions within the disks wouldn't generally be considered ideal for forming planets.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 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
  • But now all that luxuriant coat is starting to come off.
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 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
  • The sales seem to come from flagship showrooms in very affluent locations like Beverly Hills, Miami, London and Hong Kong.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Even those spending six figures annually (as opposed to monthly) on rent have more access than ever to ultra-luxury residences.
    Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • The off-market transaction underscores a broader reality of today’s ultra-luxury market, where control of land increasingly outweighs the ambition of what might be built upon it.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • At the same time, BTS widely shares a tune that was originally only featured on a deluxe version of Arirang, which was made available to purchase on vinyl.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • From its earliest foundations, the daily operation of its vast workforce, and the lavish palatial residence, there seems to be no end in sight to its former glory.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026
  • Guerrero Flores had his own lavish suite.
    Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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