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 Lexus' full-size hybrid SUV manages to provide an opulent driver and passenger experience while still boasting the off-road capability that many large Toyota and Lexus SUVs have become known for in the past few decades. Charles Singh, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025 Étoile, the Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino vehicle canceled after one season on Amazon Prime, is awash in elegant shots of ballerina pirouettes and the opulent interior of the Opéra Garnier in Paris — which served as the inspiration for the novel The Phantom of the Opera. Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025 The landscapes of southernmost Louisiana pair opulent biodiversity with postapocalyptic desolation. Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 Guests headed to the venue's opulent ballroom for reception, which was decorated in deep shades of black, ivory and reds. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • The Valkyries have drawn a different audience from the one that usually brings a wealthy, corporate vibe to this same arena.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • If Musk and his fans are right, Musk would become far wealthier even without any additional shares of Tesla stock.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Continue reading to shop more luxurious Wayfair social media creator furniture and decor selections, up to 72 percent off.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Big Sky, Montana Swift and Kelce have previously gone on romantic retreats to Big Sky – even being linked to the highly exclusive, members-only Yellowstone Club – so the couple could pick the luxurious mountain community as a serene wedding destination.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Eating a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome.
    Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Niacinamide, which is a form of Vitamin B3, is rich in antioxidants that help combat oily and sun-damaged skin, according to the brand.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2022, a Chenequa house on the opposite side of the lake sold for $15 million as part of a post-pandemic ultra-luxury home boom in Wisconsin.
    Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This ultra-luxury flagship will feature 163 keys, many with private plunge pools and views of the Sea of Cortez.
    Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet Curia Capital finds only about 25% of affluent women feel comfortable managing investments compared to 40% of men.
    Joyce Marter, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • North America is the largest market, largely due to its concentration of affluent consumers.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond it is a three-hectare haven of silvery olive trees, luxuriant Washingtonia palms, and lawns where peacocks wander freely.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Meanwhile, a beard provided a simpler solution: a luxuriant facial covering requiring only the occasional scissor trim—no barber necessary.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • The summer of 2025 was essentially a deluxe version of 2022.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • As the drinks flow during a gathering of faculty and PhD students at their deluxe digs, Alma’s doting husband Frederick (Michael Stuhlbarg), another shrink, teasingly asks what happens if one of them gets tenure and the other doesn’t.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The designer, who turned 76 on June 27, is known for her lavish birthday bashes.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Some have lost fortunes due to family drama and trauma, seen their homes go up in flames or watched their money disappear due to too much partying and lavish spending.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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