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 All of which is to say, there’s significant industry as well as affluence throughout the city—shiny downtown high-rises, luxury hotels, opulent restaurants, grand mansions dotting the Lake Washington shoreline. Sara Harowitz, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026 Elsewhere, the entertaining spaces are equally opulent. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 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 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • Sonya had married a man from a wealthy family but had quickly learned that none of the family money was hers.
    Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
  • The only Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach county candidates who reported taking in more cash in the quarter are wealthy candidates who are pouring millions of dollars of their own money into their efforts to get to Congress.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • International flights often carry a high premium compared with domestic routes — and the planes serving them generally have more luxurious seats on board.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 19 July 2026
  • Kidman, who recently celebrated her 59th birthday, ensured Antonia’s 55th birthday celebration was one for the books with a luxurious stop in Portofino.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • Researchers have found the diet, which is full of fiber-rich plants and lean proteins, can improve heart health and longevity.
    Anahad O’Connor, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
  • This is a spoiled, privileged, rich girl who should be on MTV’s My Super Sweet 16 instead of Bravo.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 16 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
  • Shares of American Express have jumped 8% over the past three months as its credit card business remained robust in spite of geopolitical uncertainties, largely due to its focus on affluent customers.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 13 July 2026
  • Partly because affluent buyers can and are willing to spend more, over one in five homes sold above the asking price in June.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • Ultra-wealthy buyers drive up home prices Daryl Fairweather, the chief economist at Redfin, said the gulf between the luxury and non-luxury housing markets in Miami and West Palm Beach is driven by South Florida’s ultra-wealthy buyers.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Dream of the Desert, the kingdom’s first ultra-luxury train, is due to start running at the end of the year, with cabins from $8,000 a night.
    Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • This is the first time Dry Cleaning have released a deluxe version of any of their albums.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026
  • My deluxe studio was an entry-level accommodation, with the green and blue color palate that all of the rooms employed to reflect the natural themes of the resort.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • Rather than building every lavish living room and sweeping residence on a soundstage, productions often turn to real-life properties that help define their characters and set the tone.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 July 2026
  • The shoreline is like the Hamptons, rich folks and lavish houses, but the on the dangerous mountain face above is the ghetto.
    Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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