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 Throughout, Trump was treated to opulent state dinners and feted like only three of the world's wealthiest monarchies likely can. Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 17 May 2025 The opulent festivities on Chandrila gave the team an opportunity to create immersive, detailed sets at Pinewood and to use the real Montserrat mountain range in Spain. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2025 The four-story building was designed by Stanford White in imitation of the opulent style of the Italian Renaissance. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 17 May 2025 The gowns are glamorous, the jewels are opulent, the hair is enchanting, and the makeup—well, if Heidi Klum has anything to say about it, the makeup is ready to party. Marci Robin, Allure, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • Tax cuts that disproportionately benefit wealthier Americans and new tax deductions for tips also are included in the legislation.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Their quest is being financed by the fabulously wealthy Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleason, having fun with a thin role), who happens to be dying of liver cancer and will literally spare no expense — and happily spend his days with a group of verbose art thieves — to find a cure.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The portfolio features a range of expressions, from the crisp Blanco to the luxurious Ultima Reserva Extra Añejo.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Leave it up to Sferra to render the traditional ruffled bedskirt in a rich, luxurious way.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even a short pitstop could make a big difference to Americans in uniform: NORTHEAST The Northeast is rich with military history.
    Matt Alderton, USA Today, 24 May 2025
  • Oklahoma City is rich in First American history and culture, and there are myriad ways to connect with it, from authentic Native American restaurants to attending cultural events and shopping at local businesses.
    Anne Roderique-Jones, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Viewers of that first episode were treated to scenes of the family’s affluent lifestyle in a gated community outside of Atlanta.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
  • Zermatt is one of Switzerland's most exclusive Alpine resorts, visited by affluent European skiers.
    Clare Fisher, People.com, 26 May 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
  • However, despite her acting declaration, Grande still treated fans with a deluxe edition of her latest album, Eternal Sunshine.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2025
  • Linkin Park’s comeback album From Zero is a major commercial success again in the United Kingdom this week, thanks to a huge uptick in interest, which was sparked by the release of a deluxe edition of the title.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • At the same time, the preview offered a peek into the dark side behind the attorneys’ success and lavish lifestyles.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 22 May 2025
  • The Tiffany metamorphosis — which some sources pegged at $250 million to $350 million, while other sources estimated that cost was as high as $600 million to $800 million, including the art — was followed by a flurry of property acquisitions at lavish prices by luxury conglomerates.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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