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 track starts off with an opulent string arrangement and a choir, with the lyrics flipping between German and Spanish. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025 In the months since, more portraits in more opulent and baroque frames, and added decorative ornaments in shiny gold — including wall finials and fireplace accents — have been added. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025 Rustic details and vintage charm make the dark Americana style feel as old as the ghosts in the attic, but delicate details give it an opulent finish. Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025 At the pinnacle of this experience is the Sultan Suite, an opulent retreat that sets a high standard for indulgence. Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • Launched that same year by Bill and Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffett, the Giving Pledge invites the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to publicly commit to giving away at least 50% of their wealth to philanthropy, either during their lifetime or in their will.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
  • As the book's popularity rises, Josh and Liz marry and become wealthy.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Both favor a quietly luxurious wardrobe heavy on tasteful neutrals and cocoon-like outerwear.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Over time, his content became more professional and his trips more luxurious.
    Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The world outside me was big and rich with far more important and grave matters.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Advertisement Mamdani’s political success is largely credited to a media-savvy campaign that centered affordability in one of the world’s most expensive cities, with Mamdani vowing to levy New York’s ultra-rich to pay for childcare, transportation, and even grocery stores.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • An informal cut, perhaps, though the top’s material — a luxuriant silk crepe — helped elevate the look.
    Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Beyond it is a three-hectare haven of silvery olive trees, luxuriant Washingtonia palms, and lawns where peacocks wander freely.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Banking and finance is the most popular industry to work in for affluent people across all generations, according to the report.
    Megan Sauer, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
  • On one hand, there’s the affluent bachelor Harry (Pedro Pascal), who offers material security.
    Abigail Lee, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • One that would sit above the likes of Lexus as Toyota’s ultra-luxury spin-off.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Median days on market for 90th percentile listings were 79 in September, while ultra-luxury homes can spend more than 100 days before selling.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Oklou has released the deluxe version of Choke Enough.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Despite releasing Mutt last year, Thomas hasn’t slowed down, dropping the deluxe version Heel in May and another EP, Pholks, earlier this month.
    Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The parachutist descended from an overcast sky at the lavish 2017 wedding reception, as seen in videos posted online.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2025
  • My mom stayed home to look after my siblings; our house was large but not lavish.
    Natalia Paradies, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on opulent

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