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 Out of all of the Quince items in this list, this bedding set might be one of the most opulent. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026 Without these qualities, even the most opulent companies can fall prey to overselling and a lack of discipline. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 28 May 2026 But many riders from far less opulent backgrounds have reached the pinnacle of the sport. Danielle Rossingh, New York Times, 26 May 2026 Bowie House Bowie House is an opulent New West hotel located on the brick streets of Fort Worth’s Cultural District. Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • Darboven was a wealthy woman who never left home and used acquisition agents.
    Erika Landström, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • With higher prices and a looming billionaire wealth tax, the Golden State continues to see both working-class residents and wealthy business owners leaving for more affordable cities.
    Lindsay Kornick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Ticket prices range from approximately $63 for the most basic type of accommodation in off-peak times to $334 for the most luxurious suites during peak seasons.
    Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
  • Today, Sagamore belongs to the Opal Collection, which has luxurious properties up and down the East Coast.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Over the course of Gregory Orr’s long career, his poems have become increasingly incantatory, more and more like chants or psalms, repeating, reformulating, reaching for the edges of the same rich metaphors.
    Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Time gave us the late-career brilliance of filmmakers like Jane Campion, Agnès Varda, Claire Denis, and Kathryn Bigelow, whose work became richer, fiercer, and more self-assured because these women had lived and learned so much.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • My room had a four-poster bed, a cast-iron stove and a luxuriant bathroom with a set of two freestanding baths and a large farmhouse sink.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • But now all that luxuriant coat is starting to come off.
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • These figures likely understate the true advantage because affluent families can afford test preparation services that boost scores in the first place.
    Prasad Krishnamurthy, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • The mayor of an affluent suburb of Los Angeles pleaded guilty to acting as an agent of the Chinese government last month.
    Julia Press, Bloomberg, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Almost 74% of the auto loans requiring owners to pay $1,000 or more every month are for non-luxury models, with the top five models being popular pickup trucks including the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500, according to Experian.
    Phil LeBeau,Meghan Reeder, CNBC, 28 May 2026
  • The project will include 80 ultra-luxury beach and overwater villas, hotel rooms, and residences available for purchase.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • This list includes a deluxe poker set, golf balls, tackle bag and cozy robe, just to name a few options.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
  • The concept of releasing a deluxe album is often a tactical decision to keep an artist's name in the conversation and a de facto outlet for bonus material.
    Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Organized by color, the book is chockablock with toothsome images of fashion legends, first ladies, pop stars, and lavish projects by the world’s leading designers and architects.
    Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
  • The movie’s first scene, in which the band plays a wedding at a lavish country estate, highlights his problem.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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