OPULENT Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

opulent

adjective

ˈä-pyə-lənt

Definition of opulent

as in wealthy

having goods, property, or money in abundance an opulent upper crust that liked to show off its possessions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in luxurious

showing obvious signs of wealth and comfort an opulent mansion filled with priceless art and antiques

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 In the mid 1800s, opulent steamers like the Albany ferried passengers across the Great Lakes to burgeoning Midwest cities. — Stacy Conde, Midwest Living, 10 Aug. 2026 The venue’s interior is dark and opulent, with details in black, gold, and emerald green illuminated by mirrors and crystal chandeliers. — Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026 The Oval Office now looks like a Middle Eastern bazaar crossed with an opulent Cracker Barrel. — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 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 See All Example Sentences for opulent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent

Adjective

America’s wealthiest are snapping up huge swathes of farmland, and while some are using it for their elaborate hobbies, agriculture advocates worry the broader trend of the rich purchasing tillage is putting the livelihood of actual farmers at risk.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026
The nation’s wealthiest suburb is Scarsdale, with an average household income of $612,591 in 2024, according to an analysis released June 1 by the personal finance site MoneyLion.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of wealthy

Adjective

This bedroom’s luxurious bath features beautiful tile, two sinks, each with its own vanity, a soaking tub, walk-in shower, and a separate room for the commode.

— James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Within a mind-spinning eight months, Zori Timeless Hotel was born, cleverly converted from the old pension into four luxurious residences within the confines of strict planning regulations that forced them to use the existing space.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of luxurious

Adjective

That nutritional profile has made sardines a particularly popular choice among people looking to add more nutrient-rich foods to their diets.

— Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
The analysis is particularly striking in Indian Creek, where the golf course sits at the heart of an enclave whose 41 homeowners include some of the world’s richest people.

— Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of rich

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

Definition of luxuriant

Adjective

The first passengers will likely be affluent travelers willing to pay a premium to save time.

— Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026
On January 24, 2023, allegedly in the grip of this psychosis, Clancy strangled her three children, who were five years, three years, and eight months old, in the basement of their home in Duxbury, Massachusetts, an affluent suburb of Boston.

— Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of affluent

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

Definition of deluxe

Adjective

Lindsay Lohan wowed in a sleek minidress during a lavish family vacation in the French Riviera with her husband Bader Shammas and their 3-year-old son Luai.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 Aug. 2026
The Picture of Dorian Gray An enchanted portrait and a life of debauchery are at the core of this lavish literary horror by Oscar Wilde.

— Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of lavish

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opulence

opulent

opulently

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“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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