opulence
8 synonyms and 6 antonyms for opulence, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Great wealth displayed in a lavish, visibly expensive way.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
Great wealth displayed in a lavish, visibly expensive way.
“The opulence of the ballroom, all gilt and chandeliers, made her feel underdressed.”
Opposites
How to use opulence
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Formal and literary; common in interiors, fashion and travel writing.
Etymology
From Latin opulentia 'wealth, riches', from opulentus 'rich', related to ops 'power, resources'.
Full origin of opulence →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between opulence and wealth?
Wealth is simply how much you have; opulence is how conspicuously it is spent and shown. A very rich person living in a plain house has wealth without opulence.
Is opulence a compliment?
It depends on the writer's tone. Applied to architecture, fabrics or interiors it is usually admiring. Applied to someone's lifestyle it often carries a hint of excess or vulgarity.
What is the adjective form?
Opulent, as in an opulent suite or opulent velvet drapes. The adverb is opulently.