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 Below, revisit some of the most opulent jewelry moments from the 2025 Golden Globes. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2025 The low crime rate and growing accessibility of basic to opulent amenities are also positive factors. Geoff Whitmore, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 The worlds of hip-hop and reggaeton have been intertwined in both style and sound since the origins of both genres, particularly in their common affinity for opulent jewelry. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 10 Jan. 2025 Each year, the Maasai Mara draws visitors in droves to enjoy its polished hotels and opulent ecolodges, and for those in search of upscale accommodations that provide a fascinating perspective on the region, Mara Toto Tree Camp is the perfect spot. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for opulent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opulent
Adjective
  • That's a question being debated in the rarefied air of Davos, Switzerland, as billionaires and less wealthy movers and shakers gather at the World Economic Forum to consider the global issues of the day, from climate change to artificial intelligence to poverty.
    Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Most Popular Most Popular Moore’s budget plan raises taxes on wealthiest Maryland residents.
    Glynis Kazanjian, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The hotel’s Nine Kingdoms of Bali experience includes luxurious accommodations, a tour of Klungkung Palace and lunch with one of the royals.
    Terry Elward, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The inside is super soft and comfy, more comfy and luxurious than the microfiber-type fleece.
    Chaunie Brusie, RN, Parents, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Larry Ellison, also one of the world’s richest men, is facing regulatory hurdles with the Paramount-Skydance merger that would see his son, Skydance CEO David Ellison, running the combined media assets.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Eating purple foods rich in anthocyanins may help support gut health, ease inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress (cell damage).1 1.
    Johna Burdeos, Health, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The company has even taken its advertising to subway stations in some of the city-state’s most affluent areas.
    Kevin Lim, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Green design architects can help A method that's been around for thousands of years and that was perfected in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s, green roofs weren't uncommon in more affluent neighborhoods when Cassiano first heard about them.
    Jill Langlois, NPR, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • More than 1,000 cabins are in the deluxe balcony category and can sleep up to four guests.
    Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The Atlanta rapper recently dropped off the deluxe version of his fourth solo album WHAM and is planning on releasing another project entitled Dominique some time in February.
    Angel Diaz, Billboard, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Dining options are decidedly more lavish than on most American carriers.
    Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Couples treatments here are not to be missed; a lavish duet suite boasts side-by-side soaking tubs and treatment tables.
    Ariel Okin, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near opulent

Cite this Entry

“Opulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opulent. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on opulent

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