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 Contemporary sculptures of earthly Greek women were usually made from terra-cotta and depicted them clothed in tight cloaks. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2025 But as Iyer discovers, the monks aren’t blithely floating above earthly cares. Danny Heitman, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Jan. 2025 Like all of the director’s most memorable settings, the show’s world abided by something closer to dream logic than any earthly science, obfuscating even the most integral developments. Emma Stefansky, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2025 There is no earthly reason why the animators had to go so hard on this show. Ollie Barder, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for earthly 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earthly
Adjective
  • Great vacations exist in a temporal netherworld, unmoored from the reality of daily life.
    Sofia Perez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The Apocalypse was a way out, a temporal doorway to God and Heaven.
    Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • At first, he is annoyed by mundane details like listening to the same song or ordering the same breakfast.
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • As Newsweek points out, a sense of entitlement can lead people to disregard common social norms, creating friction in seemingly mundane situations.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There will be terrestrial radio options as well, as iHeartRadio’s network of over 860 radio stations and their corresponding digital platforms will make the show available, along with, of course, the iHeartRadio app for livestreaming.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Each image deeply reconnects people to nature, becoming a window into the natural world and showcasing the vibrant life forms that thrive within delicate ocean and terrestrial ecosystems.
    Vogue, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, material used for strontium dating must not have undergone considerable physical and chemical change during fossilization, the preservation of once living things from the past.
    Bruce J. MacFadden, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2025
  • For astronauts, these missions demonstrate the ultimate physical and technical demands of working in the vacuum of space, where they are tasked with installing or replacing complex equipment and systems.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • However, they are immediately attacked by a ferocious creature that seems not fully animal, not fully human.
    EW.com, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Animal lovers will enjoy horseback riding or visiting one of the area’s animal sanctuaries.
    Katie Seemann, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2023
Adjective
  • The parents were arrested again in June 2024, charged this time with human trafficking of a minor child, use of a minor child in forced labor, and child neglect creating substantial risk of serious bodily injury or death, the AP reports.
    KC Baker, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Morales was also found guilty of three counts of engaging in a speed contest resulting in great bodily injury and one count of engaging in a speed contest.
    Caelyn Pender, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near earthly

Cite this Entry

“Earthly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earthly. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on earthly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!