Definition of earthlynext

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 What feels like sci-fi resolves into a Realist worker portrait as a technological fantasy of efficiency chafes against the fleshy, earthly physical world. Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 2026 Escaping into a world clouded with fantasy — scenarios that, at least on this earthly plane, could never happen — is a fun way to temporarily pretend. Samantha Sasso, Vulture, 22 May 2026 As earthly circles of hell go, modern-day Newark is in an altogether different, gentler category from post-WWII Leningrad. Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 May 2026 Divinity above, earthly pleasures below. Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for earthly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earthly
Adjective
  • Kate Fry, whose assignment here as Gretl requires a temporal transition from the coquettish and sensuous to a character rich with the moral authority of experience and an ability to judge the folly of others, is quite extraordinary.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026
  • In an instant – or rather, through a grueling, ugly, then gritty, then triumphant Game 5 – that temporal distance is temporarily undone.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • The first task starts sedately, with Rekha Shankar, Siobhan, and Lily trying to find the Dropout-style antic comedy in a mundane laundry-day chore.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026
  • Periodicals first presented mundane merchant reports, then ventured to publish observations on arts and literature.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • At the same time, Standard Nuclear operates as an independent, reactor-agnostic fuel developer, meaning its TRISO fuel can be utilized across various third-party reactor designs for both terrestrial power grids and space exploration systems.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 June 2026
  • But in Brazil, the main terrestrial broadcaster, Globo, has avoided advertising.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Team Australia players Jacob Italiano and Harry Souttar just received two yellow cards after the referee determined that the match is becoming too physical.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 June 2026
  • Professor Igor Aharonovich said twisting layered materials can produce entirely new physical behaviors.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The charity reports a 70% increase in multi-animal incidents across England and Wales since 2021, defining such cases as those involving 10 or more animals.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Regulators are trying to push drug development into a post-animal testing era.
    Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 19 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Earthly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earthly. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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