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 This season is set to be Auralee’s grandest showcase yet, held in the opulent Odéon Theatre in the city’s 6th arrondissement. Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 23 June 2026 Among pop-up bars, bandstands and opulent, 19th century spa buildings painted in sherbet pastels, the Karlovy Vary Intl. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 21 June 2026 During a study session this week, council members heard a new resolution stating the city’s intent to keep ownership of the Vaile Mansion and Bingham-Waggoner Estate, two opulent homes built in the 1800s in downtown Independence. Ilana Arougheti june 11, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026 But that’s downright quaint compared to the opulent shindigs and fabled debauchery of the home’s previous owner. Rosemary Counter, Vanity Fair, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • Swift’s name came up as a possible wealthy benefactor to pay for a new football stadium in Kansas City.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Some wealthy suburbs were too small for the MoneyLion ranking.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Design Within Reach aims to make luxurious designer furniture pieces from the past and present just a little more accessible for online shoppers.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2026
  • Shunya will be able to fly a pilot and either six passengers with a bit of luggage, or four in more luxurious seating.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • White jeans offer much more leeway to play with poppy seasonal colors or rich textures, like raffia, suede, and leather.
    Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 8 July 2026
  • Much of that praise is thanks to its rich history, artistic treasures, and delicious food and wine, which often comes from the nearby hills of Chianti and Montalcino.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Daniel Mendelsohn, the most recent translator of the Odyssey, preserves that scheme, writing a detailed, luxuriant, often beautiful line.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
  • The outdoor shower was lined by a wall of luxuriant birds of paradise plants.
    Sandra Guzmán, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Raised in an affluent suburb in Marin County, Siebel Newsom, 52, grew up in privilege.
    Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Walmart The superstore stock has plenty of runway as Walmart 's efforts to court more affluent consumers begin to pay off, according to Bank of America.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • Both hotels are located along what has been dubbed Billionaires’ Beach, the ultra-luxury oceanfront corridor spanning a South Beach and Mid-Beach stretch that’s home to high-end and boutique hotels.
    Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026
  • For 2026, Ralph Lauren used the tournament to debut its ultra-luxury Purple Label Wimbledon capsule, designed and made in Italy.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Off Campus came at the perfect time, as the group released the deluxe version of their album, No Hard Feelings, just weeks after the show premiered.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
  • That latter tune is included as a bonus track on the deluxe digital version of the new album.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • All the gold is gone, and there’s barely enough to pay her soldiers, let alone throw a lavish coronation.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • In 2018, the pair were married at a lavish ceremony in Windsor.
    Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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