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 On a blustery October night in Brooklyn, an unusual crowd gathered outside the opulent Kings Theatre. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2026 Davis wore the brand’s Seine 75 Pump, a perfectly opulent style that oozes luxeness thanks to the red velvet upper that’s so yummy, as well as the crystal brooch on the toe bed that screams, well, elegance. Eva Thomas, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026 Complemented by the opulent classicism of Dolce & Gabbana, which leaned into its signature Sicilian glamour with precision and refined detail, this week reaffirmed Milan as a place where heritage and innovation coexist with unshakable confidence. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026 While many sports cars are spartan in their functional aesthetic, including the Mercedes-AMG GT, which shares engine architecture with Aston Martin, the Vantage S feels different due to its elegant lines and abjectly opulent interior. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • Other Pittsburgh connections to Forbes' list Pittsburgh natives David Tepper and Mark Cuban were on Forbes' latest ranking of the world's wealthiest people.
    Michael Guise, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Despite concerns about wealthy New Yorkers fleeing our city, the real exodus is happening in the middle.
    Gary LaBarbera, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • If not eaten immediately, the lovely creaminess becomes a dense pile of goop with no hope of Cinderella-ing itself back to a luxurious state.
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The construction gives it a medium-support feel—plush enough to feel luxurious, yet structured enough to provide meaningful reinforcement.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The cliffside lodge offers a front row view of one of the most biologically rich places on the planet, UNESCO’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve near South Africa’s border with Zimbabwe.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Lucky for you, Ortega’s exact carryall is on sale now, along with a range of other rich-girl purses from $84.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • In luxuriant landscapes, Shinomiya’s trio (voiced by Riku Hagiwara, Kotone Furukawa and Miyu Irino) throw lines at each other with strong alchemy.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Rockefeller initially favored the bridge that would have connected the affluent areas of Oyster Bay on Long Island and Rye in Westchester County, but the tide turned as opposition grew.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Gas prices are regressive — meaning lower-income people are more likely to spend a higher percentage of their money on fuel than affluent Americans.
    Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Now, the latest listing is poised to test just how far Miami’s ultra-luxury market can stretch.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Boasting very cushy captain’s seats in the first two rows, Nissan stands out from other non-luxury brands that struggle with comfort.
    Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This Is Lorelei’s Nate Amos has announced a super deluxe version of his 2024 album Box for Buddy, Box for Star.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 9 Mar. 2026
  • This deluxe two-volume box set includes both hardcover manga volumes illustrated by Miyazaki, as well as a bonus Studio Ghibli poster.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Sumptuous grays and neutrals in the lavish rooms create a seamless quality from door to sea, and subtle Asian details delight.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Most take it in stride, or consider the situation at Indian Wells a fair tradeoff for the otherwise gorgeous backdrop of mountains, picturesque sunsets and lavish facilities.
    Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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