adjective

opulent

/ˈɒpjulənt/ · say it: OP·yuh·luhnt

luxurious and richly abundant

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) very wealthy and spending money freely; luxurious and expensive

2. (adjective) decorated or furnished with expensive and beautiful things; rich and splendid in appearance

Examples

1. The opulent businessman arrived in a diamond-studded limousine.
2. The opulent palace had marble floors, gold chandeliers, and silk curtains everywhere.

How to use opulent

Opulent describes both great wealth and the visible display of luxury through expensive possessions and lavish decoration. It carries a slightly more formal and literary tone than 'luxurious,' often suggesting not just comfort but ostentatious splendor. Use it when emphasizing richness of appearance or abundance of expensive material goods.

Common phrases

opulent lifestyle
opulent surroundings
opulent furnishings
opulent décor
opulent display

Synonyms

luxurious · lavish · sumptuous · affluent · wealthy

Opposites

austere · humble · modest

Word family

opulence · opulently

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'opulent' to mean simply 'rich' or 'wealthy' without the connotation of visible luxury and display; opulent requires evidence of expensive, showy expenditure.

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