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 Book your stay, pack your beach bag, and don’t forget your sunscreen—we’ve rounded up nine opulent spaces in the Hamptons to slip away to this summer. Sarah Wood González, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026 The Natural History Museum in London displays its renowned collection—including groundbreaking dinosaur discoveries—in an opulent Romanesque Revival building. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026 In 2011, Britain’s Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in an opulent ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey. Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 Isha also made a name for herself at last year's Met Gala, wearing an array of opulent jewels, including a necklace that bore resemblance to the megawatt Cartier Jeanne Toussaint piece featured in Ocean's 8. Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • Voters may soon be able to decide whether to impose a one-time tax on the state's wealthiest residents, aimed at raising cash to cope with federal cuts and the state budget deficit.
    Steve Large, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But isn’t this, at least in spirit, what many on the left criticize when wealthy taxpayers find ways to avoid paying more?
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Dry Goods and its sibling stores, Wild Life and Workshop, had music from former first lady of France Carla Bruni playing over the stereo and were heavy on Belgian and Japanese lines that were equal parts luxurious (silk) and frumpy (boxy).
    Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The luxurious-feeling moisturizer contains a ferment concentrate to fade sun spots or dark spots, and to combat wrinkles for a more resilient finish.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Disunion is as rich a vein in American political history as union is.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • As the sun set below the tree line, the warm wood paneling turned a rich brown color that complemented the rattan light fixtures hanging above, giving the space a modern yet warm feeling.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • But now all that luxuriant coat is starting to come off.
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The luxuriant texture combined with the umami depth-charge can stun a table into silence.
    Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Only the already-affluent still define it as an opportunity.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 May 2026
  • Raised in Guatemala, my parents were pulled out of school at a young age to work for affluent families.
    Ohanna Carrascoza, CNBC, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • At the ultra-luxury tier, premium finishes may be expected rather than rewarded.
    Zakkiyyah Terrell White, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • In keeping with the ultra-luxury playbook, the property is now being held off the market deliberately.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 May 2026
Adjective
  • The interiors of the standard overwater and deluxe overwater villas are the same, but the view is different; standard villas look out on the sea and others opposite them.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2026
  • In addition to the standard digital release, the collection will be available in both standard and deluxe physical editions.
    Kennedy French, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Warnings, laments, and odes to renewal were expressed pictorially as dying days under bleeding heavens, belching volcanoes, proud icebergs, lavish rainbows amid spangling, mist-suffusing sunlight and dawns of peace and hope.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Bezos is no stranger to seeing protesters come between himself and a lavish celebration.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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