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 Shannon McLaren infuses her fashion experience and worldly perspective into Prairie Interiors, her Newport Beach firm. Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025 For another, even worldly sinners like us would probably be confused if our partners wanted to smack our bare asses with a broom while reading from the Book of Revelations. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 1 Sep. 2025 At the same time, the Brotherhood discourages any worldly attachment that privileges one person over another person, or over God. Hannah Gold, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025 In a half, KU fans got a glimpse of everything that makes Daniels an other-worldly talent — and everything that’s kept him from reaching his ceiling along the way. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for worldly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worldly
Adjective
  • Gothic cathedrals, art deco villas, vintage yellow trams, impeccably dressed signore, bright red Negronis glinting in the sun—these are some of the most classic symbols of Milan, but there’s a whole other side to the city, one that’s contemporary, cosmopolitan, and just plain cool.
    Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Book lovers in Beijing are also increasingly drawn to the cosmopolitan city’s annual Literature Festival.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The pair’s fight is fueled by the mundane (a busted dinner party) and the profound (Mark’s addiction, Dawn’s codependence, the constant pressure of professional fighting).
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Between food prep and costume store runs, the magic of Halloween can quickly become mundane.
    Parents Editors, Parents, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Burnett, the spokesperson for the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, said the scam calls have increased in frequency in recent years and become more sophisticated in the last year.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Cunlin Button-down Shirt There aren’t many clothing pieces that look more sophisticated than a crisp button-up shirt.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This temporal blurring between past and present is echoed in the structure of the installation itself, which creates a kind of time loop between the two films, shuttling the viewer between the immediate danger of the war’s outbreak and the lingering trauma of its memory.
    Joanna Warsza, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Las acciones de Google son especialmente insensibles y graves ante el cierre administrativo temporal del gobierno (shutdown), ignorando las peticiones de funcionarios gubernamentales y organizaciones hispanas que les solicitaron mantener la programación de Univision en el paquete principal.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Other researchers took a look at the data and found that inorganic processes or terrestrial contamination could replicate all the evidence from the meteorite.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • For the past 60+ years, the name NASA has been synonymous with humanity’s vision to dream about horizons far beyond the bounds of our terrestrial worries.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Green Hill plans to help restart Smith Springs financially, provide manpower for physical work and could potentially have some of its congregants move to Smith Springs Baptist, officials said.
    Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Harbaugh wants to be a physical team.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Scholars intuited a link between the celestial and earthly multitudes.
    Greg Grandin September 23, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Worldly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worldly. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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