opulence
Americannoun
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wealth, riches, or affluence.
-
abundance, as of resources or goods; plenty.
-
the state of being opulent.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of opulence
First recorded in 1500–10, opulence is from the Latin word opulentia wealth. See opulent, -ence
Explanation
Something with opulence is drenched in wealth and luxury. You'll need gold brocaded curtains, diamond-encrusted watches, and a world-renowned personal chef if you want to add some opulence to your life. Not surprisingly, the noun opulence comes from the Latin opulentia, meaning “wealthy.” A word that suggests extravagant excess, opulence describes lavish and visibly over-the-top living. Synonyms include abundance, prosperity, and riches. Said the novelist Joseph Conrad, “Protection is the first necessity of opulence and luxury.” Meaning, first secure one’s riches and safety, and then enjoy without a care in the world!
Vocabulary lists containing opulence
"Common Sense," Vocabulary from the pamphlet
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Ethan Frome
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Pygmalion
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This surplus of opulence is what gives the film its edge, too.
From Salon ● Oct. 20, 2026
When she was around 18 years old, records show she sailed with her enslavers to the Netherlands, where in 1774–75 Dutch artist Jeremias Schultz painted her portrait with an opulence reserved only for high society.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 26, 2026
She remembered being staggered by the size and opulence of the home, while Sullivan was at his desk "wearing the scruffiest tracksuit".
From BBC ● Jun. 8, 2026
Roughly 90 percent of the UAE's population consists of foreigners and Dubai is its biggest city, with a carefully curated image for opulence and glamour.
From Barron's ● Feb. 28, 2026
Notwithstanding the universal admiration for Offenbach’s comic operettas, the opulence of the Parisian experience of opera and its position in society still meant it was a luxury.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
