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 opulent cabin is covered in premium materials, such as wood trim, decorative inlays, and leather upholstery, and features a new lighting setup. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 29 July 2026 Newport, Rhode Island Located on Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay, Newport is known for its opulent Gilded Age mansions reminiscent of European palaces, along with its equally stunning ocean views and beaches. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Bunnie Xo also gave her social media followers a tour of her new Nashville-area home, which included hidden stairways, multiple massive closets, opulent floral rooms, an outdoor shower and an infinity pool. Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 Wheeler, a civil war veteran who visited Aspen in 1883, also built an opulent three-story opera house. John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • Their homes were not like the large estates found in wealthier Colorado mountain towns, but smaller structures where their blue-collar families went to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
  • His playful sophisticated wit was often aimed at his presidency, his wealthy background and occasionally his brothers, Teddy and Bobby.
    John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Because so many of the places that M frequents are luxurious, her sections have the sheen of a life-style magazine.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
  • For the ultimate glamping experience, the Vista Airstream Suite boasts a luxurious outdoor shower.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a rich sense of history here, too, from the naming of all four stands after club legends and former owner Sir Jack Hayward to the statue of England great Billy Wright that sits outside the main entrance on Waterloo Road.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The island is home to rich coastal ecosystems and serves as a nesting place for several species of sea turtles.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 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
  • Luxury resort Fontainebleau, approaching its third anniversary, is strategically positioned to cater to this affluent audience.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The findings were consistent across the city’s older urban core — in the historically Black neighborhoods north of downtown, the predominantly Hispanic areas to the south and the more white and affluent areas in midtown.
    Chris Bowling, ProPublica, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • By the time the sixth ship rolls out, Explora Journeys president Anna Nash said, the company will account for about 25% of global ultra-luxury cruise capacity.
    Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The condo’s listing price is on par with a new ultra-luxury development on the island, The Mansions at Fisher Island.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • For families Studios, suites, and deluxe level kings are all spacious enough for families—but for the latter of those options be sure to book early, as there are only 16 up for grabs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • In the years after Peart’s death, surviving Rush bassist/singer Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson worked on their individual solo projects while their classic albums were reissued as deluxe anniversary packages.
    David Chiu, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Gronkowski was one of dozens of A-listers from sports figures to musicians who joined the power couple for a lavish but intimate ceremony.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Idea Public Schools, Texas’ largest charter school network, was investigated from 2021 to 2024 by the state’s chief charter school regulator amid allegations of lavish spending on private jets and parachute payments to leaders.
    Ellis Simani, ProPublica, 14 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on opulent

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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