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 Wonder returned to the stage in an opulent black leather trenchcoat and matching hat, which was the perfect outfit for the next half of the show, the smooth and thoughtful 1970’s Stevie. Caryn Rose, Variety, 23 Oct. 2024 Boasting decor from the 13th century, the 83 rooms of this opulent hotel offer an unprecedented combination of luxury and Irish hospitality. Allix Cott, Architectural Digest, 18 Oct. 2024 The opulent Lafayette Hotel, recently named best new hotel by Esquire Magazine, was honored for its historic preservation and architectural lighting. Kate Murphy, Axios, 11 Oct. 2024 This spacious and intimate space offers a perfect mix of opulent cabana amenities and privacy, ideal for celebrating special moments or simply embracing the island's leisurely rhythm in your own personal paradise. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for opulent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • That puts it reassuringly outside the capability of even a wealthy tech bro, who wouldn’t have the money or the diplomatic alliances required, as Cynthia Scharf, senior fellow at the International Center for Future Generations, told me.
    Lara Williams, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • The opposing views underscored the challenge at the heart of the climate negotiations: while nations are urged to shift to green energy sources, many, including wealthy Western nations, continue to rely on fossil fuels.
    Reuters, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Vacations Will Focus On The Luxury Of Time Forget yachts and private jets; a truly luxurious holiday doesn’t have to be about splashing the cash.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • These high-quality ornaments will make your tree appear more luxurious and elegant.
    Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • There’s a lot to unpack from this family photo, which prominently features the world’s richest man, standing with the president-elect’s offspring and their partners and their children.
    Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The concert was a powerhouse of moody songs rich with Gilmour’s emotive playing.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Can the party of the universities, the affluent suburbs and the hipster urban cores do this?
    David Brooks, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Since then, the county’s partisan shift has made national news, with the state’s most affluent big county swinging almost entirely to support Democrats, from presidential candidates on down.
    Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Like Alfonso Arau’s decadent film, the amount of time spent on food in the series is almost luxuriant, adding to the sensuality of the story.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Nov. 2024
  • The name reflects the fact nature is infused into every aspect of the hostelry, from luxuriant plantings to the names given the 179 guest rooms, each a reference to a different bird or flower.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Southern California happenings After a century, concrete plant that helped build L.A. makes way for a deluxe tower.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
  • Macchio’s appearance marks the second time Coldplay has performed the record, which appears on the deluxe edition of their latest album, Moon Music.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Target shoppers have the opportunity to snag deals on everyday essentials to more lavish gifts.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Once absorbed by the skin, the remaining mud is rinsed off in a lavish Vichy shower, and afterward skin is soothed with an aloe gel mask.
    Margaux Lushing, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near opulent

Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on opulent

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