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 The resort features private villas, each equipped with its own pool or beach access, providing an intimate and opulent experience. Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025 The architect Mark Roy Daniels produced a particularly opulent example of the Spanish Colonial style, which represented an Anglo appropriation of Alta California. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2025 These paintings are as opulent as any that Overstreet produced, with cascades of Renoirish pink strokes. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 4 Feb. 2025 In the ruins of Rome’s opulent Domus Aurea palace, archaeologists have uncovered an array of ancient pigments used by artisans to paint the walls of the emperor Nero’s stately marble home with resplendent frescoes some 2,000 years ago. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for opulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • Democrats are likely to vote in lockstep against the legislation, seeing it as primarily benefiting the very wealthy.
    Axios, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Trump said the gold card program would be open for wealthy people, such as Russian oligarchs, to apply.
    Scott Murdoch, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Discovering the Riviera Maya With its diverse attractions and luxurious resorts, the Riviera Maya remains one of the top destinations for families and wellness travelers.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Luxury 2-story Tiny Home Living off the grid has never looked so luxurious.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The fruit is rich in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, as well as antioxidants, and potassium.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Their roster is rich with talented young players, including a terrific goaltender in Lukas Dostal, and there are signs that Anaheim is starting to figure it out.
    Carol Schram, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • My husband, however, grew up in a very different reality—an affluent town where many of his friends were driving cars that cost as much as our house.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The first daytime drama to premiere in over 25 years, Beyond the Gates is set in the leafy Maryland suburb of Fairmont Crest, just outside of Washington, D.C., one the most affluent African American counties in the United States.
    Anne Easton, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • It is also known as Damask or Damascene rose and is revered for its luxuriant scent.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Fukuda-san is perfectly bald, with a luxuriant mustache.
    Gary Shteyngart, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The infamous city center and surrounding bay houses 2 deluxe hotels, 4 casinos and 3 spas including Les Thermes Marins de Monte Carlo which all offer opportunities to see and be seen.
    Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The pop star’s sixth LP, which came out last August, has returned to the summit of the Official U.K. Albums Chart following the recent release of a deluxe version (Feb. 21).
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Just west of Back Bay station, visitors can discover an oasis of warmth in the form of the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, a lavish property that comes equipped with a wealth of amenities designed with wintertime in mind.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Mayor Tom Carney and Vice Mayor Juli Casale should stand firm in opposition to the union’s demands for lavish retirement benefits.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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