opulence

noun

op·u·lence ˈä-pyə-lən(t)s

Synonyms of opulence

: wealth, affluence

the opulence of prerevolutionary monarchs

: abundance, profusion

an opulence of fruits

Examples of opulence in a Sentence

in some parts of the city nearly unimaginable opulence can be found side by side with nearly unthinkable poverty

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

There were also stars who leaned into opulence this week, too. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026 Velvet is a natural for drawing out the opulence of plum, but look to linen and leather for more earthy applications. — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026 By 1988, when Phantom debuted on Broadway, the Reagan-era consumer culture and flashy opulence were on their way out, so the ornate, maximalist sets and the lush orchestrations felt off-key to reviewers. — Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 20 Aug. 2026 For families While Hôtel Royal’s opulence certainly doesn’t lean into the traditional vision of a family-friendly hotel, their thoughtful amenities sure do. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opulence

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin opulentia, from opulentus "abounding in resources, opulent" + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1518, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of opulence was circa 1518

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

opt out

opulence

opulent

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Opulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opulence. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

opulence

noun

op·u·lence ˈäp-yə-lən(t)s

: great wealth

opulence

noun

Synonyms of opulence

Examples of opulence in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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