Opulence is great wealth displayed in luxurious and often extravagant ways. When you walk into an opulent mansion, you might see marble floors, crystal chandeliers, gold-trimmed furniture, and priceless artwork covering the walls. Everything announces: “This place cost a fortune.”

The word means richness that's visible, abundant, and impressive. A billionaire might own a simple cabin in the woods, but that's not opulent. An opulent palace has velvet curtains, ornate carvings, and rooms filled with treasures.

You'll find opulence described in classic stories: the Beast's castle in Beauty and the Beast displays magical opulence with its enchanted objects and grand halls. The Palace of Versailles in France, built by King Louis XIV, became famous for its overwhelming opulence, with its Hall of Mirrors containing 357 mirrors and surrounded by acres of manicured gardens.

The adjective form is opulent, as in “an opulent feast” or “opulent decorations.” While opulence can be beautiful and impressive, the word sometimes carries a hint that perhaps the wealth is being shown off a bit too much.