Synonym Chooser

How is the word worldly distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words earthly and mundane are common synonyms of worldly. While all three words mean "belonging to or characteristic of the earth," worldly and mundane both imply a relation to the immediate concerns and activities of human beings, worldly suggesting tangible personal gain or gratification.

worldly goods

When could earthly be used to replace worldly?

Although the words earthly and worldly have much in common, earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual.

abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent

In what contexts can mundane take the place of worldly?

While in some cases nearly identical to worldly, mundane suggests reference to the immediate and practical.

a mundane discussion of finances

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of worldly More than once, the dialogue makes space for Sammie learning about female pleasure from his worldly gangster cousin. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025 What’s to Come with Fragrance Trujillo spoke to the future of fragrances, and the next several years will be worldly and unexpected. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 This blends seamlessly into the surrounding decor while offering a worldly and sophisticated element. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025 His final wish: to be remembered as a humble priest, not as a figure of worldly power. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for worldly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worldly
Adjective
  • Despite the change in government, Hong Kong was still portrayed as a vibrant, cosmopolitan trading hub after the handover of the territory.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 6 June 2025
  • Khartoum was a little more cosmopolitan, but Arabs unquestionably held the power in the capital.
    Nicolas Niarchos, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • The house contorted even more, and once dinner was done, collecting laundry had become less mundane and more treacherous as violent, red flowers bloomed inside the home.
    Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 8 June 2025
  • Smart home systems that learn family patterns could create more opportunities for connection by managing mundane tasks and scheduling quality time.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Its one-shoulder neckline and tonal floral texture feel sophisticated yet fun—ideal for summer weddings or rooftop cocktails.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2025
  • The foremost conflict playing out across the Middle East today is between Israel and Iran, a nation that already possesses a sophisticated and large-scale nuclear program.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • The people who had higher negativity bias were found to have reduced blood flow in the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes — regions critical for decision-making, memory and emotional regulation, according to Amen.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2025
  • Stories offer a generosity of space—temporal, emotional, political—that real-time clinical work does not.
    Danielle Ofri, New Yorker, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • But SpaceX has also had to build large ground stations around the world, known as gateways, to pipe data into space from the terrestrial Internet.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 June 2025
  • This model reshapes terrestrial manufacturing, enabling real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance and rapid iteration.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Utilizing a commercial high-fidelity inkjet printer, that digital map was converted into a physical two-layer mask printed onto an ultra-thin clear polymer film.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 15 June 2025
  • His passion for coaching started with a passion for teaching as a physical educator in Norway House, Manitoba, more than 800 kilometers north of Winnipeg.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • But in the earthly order, utility—usefulness for man—is the main determiner of value.
    Alejandro Antonio Chafuen, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • The Assumption, proclaimed by Pius XII in 1950, is the doctrine that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
    Dennis Doyle, The Conversation, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Worldly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worldly. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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