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 The high-end products are in sync with the barber shop’s old-school aesthetic, combining columns, capitals and green marble with opulent mosaic flooring, black ebony walls, coffered ceilings and metopes crafted by Venetian glassmakers. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026 Few adventures compare to those taken along the world’s most scenic railways—especially if that journey happens to be on one of the most opulent trains. Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026 Check into one of the city’s most opulent hotels. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026 When wealthy velvet magnate Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif) moves in next door, at opulent Thrushcross Grange, Cathy awkwardly introduces herself, Edgar becomes smitten and his young ward Isabella (Alison Oliver) loves having a new girl friend. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • Founded in 1951, this was a see-and-be-seen destination for wealthy American travelers and avid sportfishers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Democrats’ Biden-era goals of raising taxes on wealthy Americans and big companies to fund upgrades to health care, education, and clean energy were somewhat stifled by their 50-50 majority.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Burch showed rich tapestry opera coats with coordinating heels, beaded secretary sweaters with high-slit pencil skirts and grandpa’s snuggly cords and sweaters done with a more luxurious, indulgent hand.
    Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Guests can tour the 50-hectare landscape, enjoy fresh local dishes, culinary and wellness workshops, and rest easy in a luxurious lodge for an overnight stay.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Some of us have guest lectured in his law school class on the Arkansas Constitution, and his passion for our state's rich heritage is evident.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Hiring an experienced guide, such as Eduard Casajuana at Mallorcalpina or Pep Platel at ViuAventura, will result in a richer overall experience.
    Paul Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Myrtle is much better matched by the title creature itself, a one-eyed puffball (Americans might compare it to the ‘90s Post Honeycomb cereal mascot) that flits and flies around with its luxuriant auburn coat fluttering in the breeze.
    Katie Rife, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Even so, Jeff Bellisario, executive director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, said that spreading events and hotel stays across the region meant that a largely affluent group of football fans spent in different cities rather than only a small geographic area, as with most Super Bowls.
    Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Leff says that catering to a more affluent customer, as in the case of Hyatt Hotels, may offer operators more latitude to eliminate breakfast.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The ultra-luxury suites in the latter are its crown jewels, designed to deliver the ultimate indulgence in space, amenities, and 24/7 personalized attention.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Silversea Best cruises for ultra-luxury Couples looking to sail on one of the most luxurious cruise lines in the world will want to book Silversea.
    Megan duBois, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • With 89 total rooms, options range from deluxe king rooms to double queens—both featuring accessible mobility and hearing options—as well as a family-style room with multiple semi-private sleeping areas for those traveling in a group.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Jones put out a deluxe edition of the album in August, featuring eight new songs and collaborations with Alicia Keys and Leon Thomas.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The stock market has soared in anticipation of lavish public spending, but bond markets remain wary.
    Jeff Kingston, Time, 15 Feb. 2026
  • In other words, aging boomers have voted themselves increasingly lavish benefits, putting them on future generations’ proverbial credit card.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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