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 Goodman writes in magnificent detail about the opulent window displays, room interiors, and, most notably, the people (including the designers, clients, salespeople, and photographers) that made the store a landmark. — Air Mail, 19 Sep. 2026 This particular Cipriani, with its neo-Renaissance-style ceilings and grand, opulent interior, was the venue for Alexander Wang’s fall 2013 show, where a then-on-the-rise A$AP Rocky sat front-row. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026 Rooms Each of the 154 rooms and 54 suites at Hôtel Plaza Athénée is a bespoke creation—layouts range from opulent, classic 18th-century Parisian grandeur to sleek Art Deco design, including spaces designed by Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026 For Setting the Mood Heady, sensual, floral—Diptyque does its best work with this sexy and subtle candle that finds its fragrant roots in the opulent, white-blooming Mexican flower. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • Some commenters questioned why a wealthy donor would bring a prominent university from Pittsburgh to Miami rather than direct more money toward institutions already serving local students.
    — Luisa Yanez October 2, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • At issue are certain use cases of Section 351 exchanges, in which wealthy individuals, through an intermediary, create new ETFs with a basket of highly appreciated stocks.
    — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • TikTok filled with videos of grim stores nearing closure that looked more apocalyptic than luxurious.
    — Rachel Felder, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026
  • In a report published on Tuesday, four men — apparently in the same unit as Combs — told NBC the Grammy winner was enjoying a luxurious lifestyle despite his being behind bars.
    — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Expect light wood accents, rich textiles, white plantation shutters, and framed artwork alongside in-room lending libraries.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Deep underground, groundwater comes into direct contact with iron-rich minerals such as olivine, triggering a chemical reaction called serpentinization.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 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
  • According to the Berkeley and Oakland police departments, responders arrived at the home Friday morning, soon after receiving reports of gunshots heard in the affluent neighborhood near the UC Berkeley campus.
    — Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The radiant setting is especially attractive to affluent couples from across Asia as well as the US, Australia, and Europe.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • This marks the only occurrence since 2017 that a non-luxury company has taken the first position on the Paris bourse at the end of a day of trading.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Add in the ultra-luxury Hermès editions ($1,399 for Series 12; $1,499 for Ultra 4), and both lines can climb into true luxury territory.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Billy Joel’s Turnstiles is getting the deluxe treatment for its 50th anniversary.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants deluxe anniversary edition is available now, wherever books are sold.
    — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • All gaps in time and momentum can be smoothed over by Laura Karpman’s lush and lavish score.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The black-tie event will feature live entertainment, a lavish dinner, and a major fireworks display across the Dubai skyline.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!