Synonyms of earthly

earthly

adjective

ˈərth-lē 

as in temporal

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

a sermon against our obsession with earthly pursuits

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of earthly

Khamenei, who led the Islamic Republic for 37 years out of its 47-year history, is regarded by many supporters as the earthly representative of the Hidden Imam, the 12th imam who, according to Shi’ite belief, disappeared in the ninth century. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 3 July 2026

During the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, both Martin Luther and John Calvin distinguished spiritual from earthly authority and called for a division of labor between the two. — Steven K. Green, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

People at the most senior levels of the government have no earthly idea what's being discussed inside the White House, inside the Oval Office and the Situation Room. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 23 June 2026

Some of this can be put down to the production; Kartel’s longtime collaborator and established hitmaker TJ Records conjures a palette more suited to the trebly ionosphere of Spotify streams than the groundshaking speaker stacks that once fortified dancehall’s earthly domain. — Edwin “stats” Houghton, Pitchfork, 17 June 2026