Synonyms of worldly

worldly

adjective

ˈwər(-ə)ld-lē 

1

as in cosmopolitan

having a wide and refined knowledge of the world especially from personal experience

she returned from her year as an exchange student a much more worldly person

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cosmopolitan
• sophisticated
• smart
• civilized
• worldly-wise
• polished
• bored
• pragmatic
• cultured
• experienced
• cynical
• sober
• cultivated
• urbane
• seasoned
• realistic
• suave
• knowing
• skeptical
• refined
• jaded
• practiced
• schooled
• down-to-earth

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unsophisticated
• naive
• unworldly
• innocent
• ingenuous
• guileless
• untutored
• green
• parochial
• inexperienced
• provincial
• raw
• rustic
• callow
• uncivilized
• childlike
• simple
• uncultured
• wide-eyed
• unrefined
• idealistic
• impractical
• simpleminded
• uncritical
• unknowing
• philistine

2

as in mundane

having to do with life on earth especially as opposed to that in heaven

preoccupied with worldly concerns

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mundane
• temporal
• terrestrial
• physical
• earthly
• animal
• bodily
• carnal
• earthbound
• sublunary
• corporeal
• fleshly
• daily
• material
• terrene
• corporal
• earthborn
• unspiritual
• diurnal
• anthropocentric
• anthropic

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• heavenly
• celestial
• spiritual
• unearthly
• religious
• metaphysical
• unworldly
• divine
• supernal
• sacred
• devotional
• utopian
• nontemporal
• transcendental
• transcendent
• supernatural
• empyrean
• ethereal
• empyreal
• Elysian
• otherworldly
• extraterrestrial
• unearthly

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

Recent Examples of worldly

Secular music—beginning with blues but later including jazz, rhythm and blues (R&B), and rock and roll—typically voiced more worldly concerns. —René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Mar. 2026

Ramadan is the month that Muslims fast from food and drink from sun up to sun down in an effort to form a deeper connection with God, without the distractions of worldly temptations. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026

Their undefinable, worldly taste is also reflected in the Alfallah sisters’ wardrobe. —Jonathan Borge, InStyle, 10 Mar. 2026

Hindu seekers retreat to ashrams, Muslims seclude themselves in mosques away from worldly distractions during Ramadan to practice I'tikaf, and Jews break from work and technology every week on shabbat. —Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026