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 Oval Office now looks like a Middle Eastern bazaar crossed with an opulent Cracker Barrel. Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026 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 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
  • 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
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
  • Rather than spending months researching guides, securing reservations and coordinating domestic flights, affluent guests are increasingly happy to pay for seamless execution and insider access.
    Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • It’s connected to Hibiscus Island, another affluent community of high-end homes.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The result is an itinerary likely to cost well into the five figures for two travelers, placing it squarely in the ultra-luxury category.
    Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Ziggurat will have office and retail space in addition to 19 ultra-luxury condos.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 14 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

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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