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 It’s often perceived as one of the less opulent cities. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 12 May 2026 Known for opulent dining rooms and chic bistros from Hong Kong to Palm Beach, 71-year-old Daniel Boulud has overseen his eponymous flagship on the Upper East Side of Manhattan — site of THR‘s New York issue party — for over 30 years. Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 10 May 2026 The Victorian-opulent West Baden Springs Hotel offers upscale amenities, including a spa and fine dining. Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026 The Chahār Bāgh ran alongside a series of opulent buildings that housed members of the Safavid court, and social activities on both sides of this square spilled over to the bridge. Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • The report found lower- and middle-income consumers were increasingly pulling back on discretionary spending categories like dining and entertainment, while wealthier households — boosted by strong stock market gains and rising home equity values — continue to spend at a healthy pace.
    Allie Canal, NBC news, 19 May 2026
  • The film, directed by Paul Feig, stars Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, with Sweeney playing a live-in housemaid on parole for manslaughter who is hired by Seyfried’s wealthy Nina, who has a very shady past of her own.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • Adding insult to injury, Hasna accuses Meriem of using her body to get a cushier, better paying job as maid inside the boss’ luxurious home.
    Jay Weissberg, Variety, 19 May 2026
  • Side, back, and stomach sleepers all praise the pillows’ softness, luxurious feel, breathability, and coolness.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • To survive these transformations, rich states have resorted among other things to the ever greater exploitation, not only of poor states, but also of the human and ecological capital housed within them.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • Edmond Safra was that rich banker.
    Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • But now all that luxuriant coat is starting to come off.
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The luxuriant texture combined with the umami depth-charge can stun a table into silence.
    Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Its rapid expansion demonstrates how India’s luxury economy is evolving and how technology is reshaping access to premium experiences for affluent customers worldwide.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • The woman soon fixed up John — handsome, affluent, newly single — on a date.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Available for 50,000 euros a week, the villa positions itself firmly within the ultra-luxury category, though Château de Berne appears less interested in traditional notions of opulence than in constructing a particularly French perspective.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
  • Miami’s latest ultra-luxury condo launch comes from some of the biggest names in global design and hospitality—though notably, it isn’t tied to an existing hotel or fashion brand.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • The receipts from the Sheraton Maui showed reservations for four ocean suites, two deluxe ocean front suites and one presidential suite for Newton and Kateryna Jones for eight nights.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
  • Fans are already scheming how this might happen — whether Kahan releases a deluxe version of The Great Divide and Bridgers appears, or something else entirely.
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • While airlines squeezed in more seats and reduced legroom, premium cabins got all the investment, with new business suites and lavish first-class enclaves.
    Chris Dong, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomes Trump with a lavish ceremony, then warns him about Taiwan.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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