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 La Tête d’Or, Daniel Boulud’s opulent steakhouse, and Crane Club, Melissa Rodriguez’s modern steakhouse in the former Del Posto space, have made the list. Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 This opulent unisex scent made for both men and women marries lush oud with velvety rose—along with equally sumptuous honey and saffron—for a carnal love potion designed for those who aren’t afraid to stand out. Mary Honkus, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2025 This past October, at Art Basel Paris, the first year the fair was held in the opulent Grand Palais, Pace allegedly pulled out of the fair’s Public Project after their proposal was accepted. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Mar. 2025 Back in The Franklin, diners take their seats in the hotel’s intimate dining room, an opulent space designed by Anouska Hempel. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 18 Mar. 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
  • Reviewers praise the smooth, luxurious feel of this comforter.
    Jamie Ballard, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Hotel Del Salto, originally a luxurious residence, became a hotel in 1928 to cater to the Colombian elite visiting Tequendama Falls.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The main living areas are located on the ground and second floors, offering expansive reception rooms, intricate plasterwork, and rich period details that have been carefully restored and elevated under Kime’s discerning eye and commitment to authenticity.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Video Other rich countries have not filled the gap.
    Declan Walsh, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Especially in affluent markets, top psychiatrists and residential programs operate entirely out of pocket.
    John Samuels, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Francis' headlining changes were a softening of the Church's stance on homosexuality and contraception, an openness to women carrying out leadership positions within the church, and a rejection of the affluent trappings often associated with the Bishop of Rome.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 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 2 May. 2025.

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