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 Sateen weave bedding also tends to have a slight sheen with a drapey design, and an opulent feel right out of the package, Brenot points out. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 7 Feb. 2026 Carey often collaborates with stylist Wilfredo Rosado, responsible for curating the opulent styles the singer has worn in the recent past. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026 The result is a sharper, leaner motorcycle with less opulent bodywork, a quieter silhouette, and a cleaner stance. New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2026 The opulent room has a gold leaf ceiling, glossy blue paneling, marble bar, and woodblock prints from the 1800s. Devorah Lev-Tov, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • New York's new socialist mayor wants to tax corporations and wealthy New Yorkers to finance the city's $12 billion budget deficit.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
  • When wealthy velvet magnate Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif) moves in next door, at opulent Thrushcross Grange, Cathy awkwardly introduces herself, Edgar becomes smitten and his young ward Isabella (Alison Oliver) loves having a new girl friend.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Mesa is a perfect family town with many safe and luxurious neighborhood communities, like the Eastmark neighborhood.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Cyklar Roll-On Perfume Oil Made from a blend of cardamom, amber, cashmere wood, and vanilla, this luxurious perfume oil evokes a cozy, irresistible feel that’s perfect for winter as well as year-round wear.
    Melony Forcier, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Hims and Hers’ ‘Sick of the System’ Sick of rich people having access to higher quality healthcare and GLP-1 drugs?
    Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • With dark chocolate, a bit of espresso, and a chocolate-peppermint ganache on top, these rich brownies have so much flavor in every bite.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Myrtle is much better matched by the title creature itself, a one-eyed puffball (Americans might compare it to the ‘90s Post Honeycomb cereal mascot) that flits and flies around with its luxuriant auburn coat fluttering in the breeze.
    Katie Rife, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026
  • To watch his dank, brooding studies in social collapse, most of them filmed in long, loping black-and-white takes, is to embark on an oddly luxuriant descent into Purgatory.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Democratic turnout surpassed expectations in the affluent and well-educated suburban district, outpacing the number of party loyalists who voted in the regular 2024 congressional primary.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Lil Jon has announced that his missing son, Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, has died after a body was discovered in a pond near Smith’s home in an affluent Georgia town.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The ultra-luxury line will sail Alaska from May to August, with both of its ships—Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity—making an appearance throughout the season.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
  • If the stakes in Olivia Ferney‘s social media videos aren’t high enough for you, Fifth Season is set to dramatize the ultra-luxury travel concierge’s fancy — and stressful — life, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • With 89 total rooms, options range from deluxe king rooms to double queens—both featuring accessible mobility and hearing options—as well as a family-style room with multiple semi-private sleeping areas for those traveling in a group.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Jones put out a deluxe edition of the album in August, featuring eight new songs and collaborations with Alicia Keys and Leon Thomas.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The two whip up a lavish dip packed with cheese, greens and pickles, which add tang to cut through the indulgent creaminess.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Nichols said financial documents offered as evidence showed the GoFundMe donations were spent on things like lavish meals and travel, streaming services, car payments and rent.
    Jane Harper, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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