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 The Getty Suite speaks for itself with its throne-like chairs, opulent tapestries, carved rose wooden ceiling and connecting door into the Medici Suite (CH) where Getty put up some of his mistresses. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026 Dua Lipa and Callum Turner, meanwhile, danced the night away dolce vita–style at the opulent Villa Valguarnera mansion in Sicily, according to Vanity Fair. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 5 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • Congressional Democrats and watchdog groups have raised concerns that the group lacks transparency, skirts federal rules and allows companies and wealthy individuals to buy access to the president’s office.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 26 July 2026
  • Patel viewed it more as a high-stakes litmus test of his wealthy audience’s altruism.
    Anna Tong, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • The luxurious primary bath features a jetted bathtub, a Roman shower, double sinks, ample storage and a makeup vanity with a chair for seating.
    Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026
  • By James Raia The 2026 Genesis G90 is a wonderfully luxurious, smooth-driving, powerful family sedan.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Designed to be charming and romantic, rooms have a B&B feel with canopy beds, rich drapery, plush chairs, hardwood floors, and walls adorned with chair rail and crown molding.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Each spoonful was rich and silky, with creamy vanilla pudding coating tender banana slices and vanilla wafers that soaked up enough sweetness to become cake-like.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • This is likely why affluent jetsetters of every ilk—from multi-generational families to newlyweds on their honeymoon—choose to stay here.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • The national retailers who seized the opportunity, in turn, helped make the neighborhood still more attractive to affluent newcomers and investors.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • Duchon said not to expect prices for ultra-luxury homes in Miami-Dade to come down any time soon.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • None was in the bulk volume segment, and none was in the super-luxury segment.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 28 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
  • Retired tech executive David Cancel and scientist Amanda Cirello recently celebrated their lavish wedding on Isola del Garda, Lake Garda, Italy.
    Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • With more than 1,500 stylish rooms and suites, including lavish specialty and presidential accommodations, the iconic oceanfront resort seamlessly blends timeless glamour with modern luxury.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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