opulence

noun

op·​u·​lence ˈä-pyə-lən(t)s 

1

: wealth, affluence

the opulence of prerevolutionary monarchs

2

: abundance, profusion

an opulence of fruits

Synonyms of opulence

• wealth
• assets

Examples of opulence in a Sentence

in some parts of the city nearly unimaginable opulence can be found side by side with nearly unthinkable poverty

Recent Examples on the Web

Available for 50,000 euros a week, the villa positions itself firmly within the ultra-luxury category, though Château de Berne appears less interested in traditional notions of opulence than in constructing a particularly French perspective. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026

The ceiling is also covered with fabric, adding more opulence and enhancing live acoustics for performances in the entertainment space. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 May 2026

Yet all around the struggling center of Ross’ kingdom is opulence, wealth, success. —Greg Cote may 7, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026

With its mermaid-style skirt, full sleeves, furry collar and panache of tall black feathers on a crowning headpiece, the ensemble was a callback to the opulence of the 1920s, Cowan said, finished off with 255,000 crystals and beads. —Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin opulentia, from opulentus "abounding in resources, opulent" + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1518, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

opulence

noun

op·​u·​lence ˈäp-yə-lən(t)s 

: great wealth