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 The Orient Express has been a byword for opulent travel since the 19th century. Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Spread over six acres, the Land of 10,000 Lakes property includes a palatial residence finished with natural tones, Venetian plaster and stone walls, opulent light fixtures, and a formal dining room that wouldn’t look out of place in an Italian countryside castle. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024 Her top pro tips to achieve the look: The secret to achieving these opulent eye looks is all in the layering. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 9 Oct. 2024 Of course, the opulent ship would be actually heaven, which is beckoning him. Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 7 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
  • Enter the Neiman Marcus Holiday Book, a classic guide to the most luxurious festive shopping imaginable.
    Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The luxurious set it’s included in is essential for anyone who wants to ring in the holidays the JLo way.
    Jackie Fields, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • That’s when people, mostly rich ones, call The Gifterie, a bespoke gifting concierge that helps clients choose the perfect gift for the most affluent, famous, and picky people in the world.
    Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024
  • This track relies heavily on sub-bass content for a fuller and richer tone.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Not to pick on L.A. schools or students: Grade inflation is omnipresent and more common in affluent areas.
    Karin Klein, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Critics questioned whether police would have responded differently if the shooting occurred in a more affluent area.
    Lea Skene, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 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
  • The video, which showcases the creator's Cavalier King Charles spaniel taking pride of place at a lavish dinner spread, resplendent in a glittery crown, has been viewed more than 6.5 million times.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 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 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on opulent

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