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 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
  • At its heart are two families on different sides of a financial divide who intersect when Ye-ji (Cho Yeo-jeong), a documentary filmmaker married to a wealthy heir, Sang-woo (Zo In-sung), attempts to make a film about labor strife.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
  • He is soon revealed to be Ye-ji’s husband, a wealthy businessman who exudes the breezy confidence that usually comes with money and privilege.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The family-friendly resort offers a host of amenities, including complimentary kayaks and paddleboards to use at the private beach, two heated pools, a luxurious spa, and more.
    Megan duBois, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, the tapestry’s most singular attribute is its luxurious use of horizontal space.
    John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Between the classic crossbody design, gold hardware accents, and rich color, this purse is anything but basic.
    Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
  • This luxe accent chair invites fall into your home with its rich velvet upholstery and warm cinnamon shade.
    Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Olivia Miles, the rookie point guard for the Minnesota Lynx, wears a pair of bug-eyed sports goggles, black and bulbous, sometimes held in place by a thick strap that runs through her luxuriant Afro.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • This modernist gem, tucked away just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco in the affluent Upper Lucas Valley enclave of San Rafael, carries a dual legacy.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Viking caters primarily to affluent, older travelers and offers an extensive portfolio of river cruises, which sets it apart from more mass-market competitors.
    Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Fischer-Rosenthal takes a pragmatic view on whether set-jetting will permanently ruin these enclaves, pointing out that ultra-luxury pricing acts as a natural barrier to entry.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The company falls squarely in the ultra-luxury tier while eschewing much of the fussiness that typifies other players in the space.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The deluxe version of Rumi is 11 1/2-inches tall and has 11 points of articulation.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Other benefits in that tier include a complimentary minibar setup, complimentary afternoon tea served in the stateroom, and a deluxe canapé selection on formal nights.
    Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Both brothers have grown their following of mainly young men by building a lavish, hyper-macho image of driving fast cars and dating beautiful women.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The respectable but not outsized viewership was coupled with the high cost for the lavish production, which filmed both color and black & white versions.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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