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 Its layout also ties the home to its earthly landscape; the living room is inspired by the Native American wigwam, with elements including a central fireplace and a hole in the top to let the smoke out. Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 15 Apr. 2025 The demons’ earthly vessels, too, turn out to be thin sketches. Alison Herman, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025 Indulgences are pardons believed to eliminate earthly suffering or time in purgatory – where the Catholic Church teaches that people who have confessed their sins are purified before entering heaven. Heidi A. Campbell, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025 This is the most believably lusty delivery by John of lyrics about Taupin’s earthly urges. Shana Naomi Krochmal, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for earthly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earthly
Adjective
  • The camerlengo also administers the goods and temporal rights of the Holy See until a new pope is chosen.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Unlike image or text generation, music operates within strict temporal and structural constraints.
    Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But where Apex’s movement is fast-paced and its ever-dwindling map size forces players together over time to ratchet up tension, Marathon feels slow and mundane by comparison.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
  • Yet managers and leaders often struggle with how to help their employees find more meaningful moments in their work, especially when the tasks they are assigned are boring, mundane and tedious.
    Rachel Pacheco, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • To remove any terrestrial water the 50-year-old samples would have absorbed since their return to Earth, Yeo and her team baked the samples overnight in a vacuum furnace.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Scientists are concerned with how abiogenesis — the inception of life from non-living matter — could have occurred in the first place; some theories state that certain environments on Earth, like hydrothermal vents deep in the ocean or terrestrial hot springs, drove prebiotic processes.
    Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Not having a big, physical presence down low, as well as someone who can block shots, rebound, run the floor, and be a constant lob threat, is a problem when Dončić is on the floor.
    Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Studios plans to continue releasing Hong Kong Cinema Classics in both digital and physical formats beyond these initial offerings.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • One study of about 200 Korean scientists found that animal researchers had significantly higher anxiety scores than non-animal researchers.
    Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s why Florida must implement mandatory bodily injury (BI) liability insurance.
    Richard D Schuler, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Tune into any bodily responses (ease, tension, vitality, etc.).
    Nancy Zamierowski, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Earthly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earthly. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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