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 Parts of the governor’s mansion were badly charred, including an opulent room with a piano and a chandelier where Shapiro had hosted a Passover Seder just hours earlier. Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025 The thing about an opulent clutch designed to resemble an heirloom tomato and an actual heirloom tomato is that both are objects of beauty. Hali Bey Ramdene, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025 Lady Gaga closed down the first night of Coachella with an opulent, career-spanning performance, and tonight, fans will gather to see Green Day take the main stage. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 12 Apr. 2025 Each one features elegant touches of red and feels opulent and old world, but still modern. Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • With regard to military aircraft and civilian transport, faster is generally better, and governments and wealthy individuals are prepared to pay for it.
    Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Ten miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, tucked into the lush, green hills of Marin County, Mill Valley is an idyllic place to live — for those who are wealthy and liberal.
    Heather Knight, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In 1963, the palace was transformed into a luxurious resort dedicated to lavish living.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The coat's striking navy blue velvet base serves as a luxurious backdrop for the golden peacock motifs and floral embellishments that flow from the sleeves down to the hem.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Aruba is culturally rich, with diverse ethnicities and dialects, including one of their native languages, Papiamentu, a common creole language spoken on the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 1 May 2025
  • This mix of high tailoring, symbolizing the sharp edge of intellect, with the funk, flair, and rich history of Black style has been well documented.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Especially in affluent markets, top psychiatrists and residential programs operate entirely out of pocket.
    John Samuels, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Chelsea benefit from playing in one of the most affluent areas of London; without their generous location, gate receipts would be far lower.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • It is also known as Damask or Damascene rose and is revered for its luxuriant scent.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The development pre-built its luxuriant landscaping and outdoor plazas, then incorporated an indoor golf simulator, fitness center and café as tenant amenities.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The rock outfit’s latest push comes just ahead of the deluxe edition of From Zero, and the lead single from that project has been certified a true radio smash.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Listen to Four Tet and Oakenfold’s remixes below and check out the track listings for the deluxe editions of Mixes of a Lost World below.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Kremlin said the 72-hour ceasefire would run for three days either side of May 9, when Putin will be hosting international leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping for lavish celebrations to commemorate victory over Nazi Germany.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • In a Season 6 episode of her family’s Hulu reality program, which aired in March 2025, Kardashian and her sister Khloé traveled to India to attend the lavish wedding of Anant Ambani, the son of Asia’s wealthiest man.
    Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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