opulent
gb/ˈɑpjələnt/ us/ˈɑpjələnt/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
luxurious and richly decorated
Very expensive and luxurious, with a lot of rich decoration.
Usage pattern:
opulent [home/room/hotel/interior/setting]
Common mistake:
Learners often use opulent for people; in modern English it is more common for places, rooms, buildings, and objects (for people, affluent/wealthy is often more natural).
Synonyms
luxurious (The most direct everyday synonym; less formal.)
|
lavish (Emphasizes generosity and abundance in decoration or spending.)
|
sumptuous (Often suggests rich comfort and sensory pleasure; slightly literary.)
|
plush (More informal; suggests comfortable luxury.)
Antonyms
plain (Not decorated or luxurious.)
|
spartan (Very simple and lacking comfort or decoration.)
|
austere (Severely simple, often intentionally so.)
Collocations
an opulent mansion
|an opulent hotel
|an opulent interior
|opulent decor
|opulent furnishings
|opulent surroundings
|opulent apartments
|opulent design
|opulent architecture
|opulent luxury
Themes
lifestyle
|homes
|travel
|luxury
Examples
- They hosted the reception in an opulent ballroom with crystal chandeliers.
- The suite was opulent, with marble floors and gold-trimmed mirrors.
- She loved the opulent details of the old theater’s interior.
Learner examples
- The hotel lobby is opulent.
- They live in an opulent house.
adjective
formal
C1
property
2
very wealthy and prosperous
Very rich; having a lot of money.
Usage pattern:
opulent [family/city/society/neighborhood]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse opulent (very rich/luxurious) with abundant (a lot of something).
Synonyms
wealthy (Neutral and very common; less vivid than opulent.)
|
affluent (Often used for people and communities; slightly more neutral/formal.)
|
prosperous (Suggests success and thriving, not just possessions.)
|
rich (Very common and direct; can sound less formal.)
Antonyms
poor (Having little money.)
|
impoverished (Extremely poor; often used for communities or regions.)
|
needy (Lacking basic resources; often about people.)
Collocations
an opulent family
|an opulent neighborhood
|an opulent city
|an opulent society
|opulent elites
|opulent lifestyles
|opulent patrons
|an opulent class
|opulent districts
|opulent countries
Themes
money
|society
|business
Examples
- The once-opulent family lost most of its fortune.
- The report highlights the growing gap between opulent neighborhoods and struggling ones.
- In the 1920s the area became known for its opulent residents.
Learner examples
- It is an opulent area of the city.
adjective
literary
C2
property
3
richly abundant in effect
Very rich and full, with a strong feeling of luxury.
Usage pattern:
opulent [colors/flavors/fabrics/meal]
Common mistake:
This sense is more literary; in everyday speech people often say rich, bold, or lush instead.
Synonyms
lush (Suggests fullness and richness, often of appearance.)
|
rich (More general; commonly used for flavors, colors, and materials.)
|
luxuriant (More literary; suggests abundant growth or richness.)
Antonyms
muted (Not rich or strong in color or effect.)
|
meager (Thin or lacking fullness and richness.)
Collocations
opulent colors
|opulent fabrics
|opulent textures
|opulent patterns
|opulent flavors
|an opulent meal
|opulent styling
|opulent arrangements
|opulent imagery
|opulent detail
Themes
art
|food
|fashion
Examples
- The designer used opulent fabrics and bold patterns throughout the collection.
- The dish had opulent flavors—rich, buttery, and deeply spiced.
- The painting is filled with opulent color and detail.
Learner examples
- The cake has an opulent, rich taste.