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

The eagerly anticipated new Los Angeles museum will welcome earthly visitors on September 22. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Instead, Farage's main opponent is Count Binface, a political satirist posing as a comic space alien, with a keen interest in earthly matters, including the positioning of a hand dryer in the men's toilet in a pub in west London. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

On a molecular level, earthly life takes this to the extreme. — Berly McCoy, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026

Terry’s earthly life may have ended, but his dream does not have to. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026