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

Examples 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 Just as Assad’s palaces revealed the extent of the family’s opulent wealth and luxurious lifestyle, his prisons have confirmed horrors that Syrians have known all too well over the past five decades. Clarissa Ward, CNN, 10 Dec. 2024 The women arrived later, with flowing gowns, borrowed opulent jewelry and professionally done hair and makeup. Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024 The new line will sit atop of the automaker’s portfolio and will produce ultra-exclusive vehicles that combine the best aspects of its powerful AMG and opulent Maybach models. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Dec. 2024 The opulent global ecosystem created by the art world to sell collector-grade contemporary art doesn’t bear their fingerprints. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for opulent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • The offerings found inside the tombs of the building indicate that their occupants were wealthy and of high social status.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Though Luigi Mangione comes from a wealthy and prominent family, anonymous online donors have chipped in thousands of dollars to fund his legal defense against charges connected to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
    Nick Penzenstadler, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Thirteen former Advance Prep players and coaches told USA TODAY their experiences were far from luxurious, though some enjoyed their time.
    Chris Quintana, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Investors consistently see key tourist areas like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah as top choices that offer luxurious living options with high rental yields.
    Johan Hajji, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The moment is at once rich with relief and freighted with ominousness: Lady Liberty is filmed upside down.
    Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Its rich, thick formula feels weightless on the skin, providing deep hydration without any heavy sensation.
    Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Pam Danziger covers retail with an emphasis on luxury brands and affluent consumers.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Donald Trump could stop that While Newsom’s administration has cracked down on other affluent communities that resist quotas — it’s been especially aggressive with conservative Huntington Beach — liberal Marin County has historically received the kid gloves treatment.
    Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • One Madison’s slate of attractions includes a public gym (run by Chelsea Piers Fitness) so spacious and luxuriant that members might be tempted to move in.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 21 Nov. 2024
  • This was a man who had lengthy experience in surviving far from luxuriant conditions, firstly from his time living with the destitute of Paris and London as part of his first successful non-fiction volume and secondly as a fighter for the Republican cause in the Spanish Civil War.
    Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Katy Perry has released 1432, a deluxe version of her recent LP, 143.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Now, to close out the year and prepare fans for her upcoming tour in support of the album, Perry has released 1432, the deluxe version of the dance-pop project.
    Chris Malone Mendez, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • On January 10, 2020, the actor and the singer announced their plan to marry, with both posting details of their lavish engagement on Instagram after a year and a half of dating.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
  • On the 18th, guests can peruse more than 125 different wines at Saturday’s Discover Napa Valley Tasting Pavilion, while there are multiple Daytime Diversions available for booking that showcase the lavish side of South Florida.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near opulent

Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on opulent

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