worldly

adjective

world·ly | \ ˈwər(-ə)ld-lē

, ˈwərl-lē\

Definition of worldly

1 : of, relating to, or devoted to this world and its pursuits rather than to religion or spiritual affairs

2 : worldly-wise

Other Words from worldly Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about worldly

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Choose the Right Synonym for worldly

earthly, worldly, mundane 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 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 and mundane suggesting reference to the immediate and practical. a mundane discussion of finances

Examples of worldly in a Sentence

She is more worldly than her younger sister. she returned from her year as an exchange student a much more worldly person

Recent Examples on the Web

As Ha Jin tells us, the fatal weakness in Li Po’s character was his inability to abandon his worldly interests and live a truly eremitic life, a flaw that would spell his ruin. — Yunte Huang, WSJ, "‘The Banished Immortal’ Review: ‘Heaven Begot a Talent Like Me’," 11 Jan. 2019 In addition, on Saturday evening, wealthy residents and worldly travelers linger at café tables, artisans sell jewelry, and guitarists serenade the crowds in the Plaza de San Diego. — Maureen Orth, Town & Country, "Inside Cartagena," 11 Jan. 2013 The comrades-in-arms are in top form battling more invading other-worldly beings—and seemingly having a blast doing it. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Thor Ragnarok stars reunite, kick alien butt in MiB International trailer," 20 Dec. 2018 The centuries-old stone manor house, brick ferry house and heritage garden add to the other-worldly atmosphere. — Traci L. Suppa, Woman's Day, "9 Illuminating Jack-o'-Lantern Festivals to Visit This October," 29 Sep. 2016 Edmund Gosse, a worldly man of letters, wrote his best book in his 50s with this memoir of his childhood. — Claire Tomalin, WSJ, "Five Best: Claire Tomalin on the Best Books About Family Trouble," 22 Nov. 2018 Inspired by a worldly childhood divided between Turkey and Virginia, Richmond designer Ryland Witt fuses East and West to create feminine rooms with global appeal. — Hillary Brown, House Beautiful, "Ryland Witt Embraces the Finer Things in Life," 6 June 2016 Islam calls upon the faithful to also try and detach from worldly pleasures and focus on one’s deeds, thoughts and actions. — Washington Post, "A look at the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan," 17 May 2018 Desperate to manipulate and please his father-in-law, Jared is hungry for worldly influence and has been since his days as an aspirational New York media magnate. — Lucy Diavolo, Teen Vogue, "Top Takeaways From Michael Wolff’s “Fire And Fury”," 9 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'worldly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.