Synonym Chooser

How is the word earthly distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words mundane and worldly are common synonyms of earthly. While all three words mean "belonging to or characteristic of the earth," earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual.

abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent

When is mundane a more appropriate choice than earthly?

In some situations, the words mundane and earthly are roughly equivalent. However, mundane suggests reference to the immediate and practical.

a mundane discussion of finances

How are the words worldly and mundane related as synonyms of earthly?

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

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 earthly Between them stretches the long expanse of the table—a zone of tension, where the celestial mission of knowledge collides with the earthly reality of budgets. Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2025 The bottom tier represents the earthly world and the physical offerings to nourish the spirits during their journey. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 6 Oct. 2025 Our children and grandchildren might not want our earthly treasures. Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025 This means the earthly remains of the beloved saint will bring thousands of visitors to honor the saint's life of virtue and ask for her prayers. Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for earthly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earthly
Adjective
  • This temporal displacement frees Pynchon to offer sidelong commentary on contemporary politics without getting trapped in the flux of the present or being too on the nose.
    Jack Denton, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
  • To practice ‘future temporal focused’ networking, create a timetable and ask yourself key questions.
    Sarah Maokosy, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, many employers are looking to harness the power of AI—initially for mundane and repetitive tasks and eventually for more complicated jobs—to reduce the need to maintain the same level of human staffers on their payrolls.
    Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The remarkable video that injects divisive politics into the mundane process of airport security has sparked controversy as many airports refuse to show it.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Unistellar plans to have over 1 million terrestrial points of interest added to its database, with Envision including real-time altitude, distance and azimuth data into the display.
    Tariq Malik, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • He was instantly hooked by Channel 4’s weekly NFL coverage following the terrestrial channel’s launch in 1982.
    Peter Carline, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ethernet uses a physical cable that connects your computer directly to the router.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Despite its name, the condition, which has yet to be formally recognized, is often also paired with emotional, cognitive and physical dysfunction.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2022, the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 paved the way for alternatives to animal testing, and in December 2023, an NIH advisory committee made similar recommendations to develop non-animal methods.
    Rachel Fobar, Vox, 14 May 2025
  • Rendering is a process that transforms animal by-products, like leftover meat and fats...and yes, chicken feet, into usable materials, such as animal feed, fuel, and other industrial products.
    Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sanchez is facing a level 5 felony battery resulting in serious bodily injury charge and three misdemeanor charges, battery resulting in injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle.
    Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The rhythms of the menstrual cycle often reflect balance in other bodily systems and functions.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Earthly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earthly. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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