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 Oscar Isaac’s casting raised eyebrows among some fans from the start: A man of mixed Cuban and Guatemalan descent, Isaac was cast as Marc Spector, a Jewish character draped in Egyptian mythology (Moon Knight is the earthly avatar of the Egyptian god Khonshu). Nola Pfau, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for earthly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earthly
Adjective
  • Symmetry through recurrent objects entered in the frame is common, with temporal match-cuts employed to take us from day to night, or even sunlight to surrounding snow.
    David Katz, IndieWire, 18 May 2025
  • The temporal system divides daylight into six variable-length periods that vary with the season.
    Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Topline While still challenged by outdated technology and a chronic air traffic controller shortage, Newark Liberty International Airport is facing flight delays Wednesday due to something more mundane: weather conditions.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • As the narrative unfolds, her mundane tasks take a playful turn, with suggestive dance moves punctuating her daydreams, until Wheeler suddenly appears unannounced, leaving both characters caught in a moment of shy intrigue.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • The new study suggests, however, that records of ancient tsunamis may be found in the form of amber and other terrestrial material deposited in deep-sea sediments.
    Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2025
  • Moving some of those data centers to space, whether placed in stationary locations on the moon or traveling in near-Earth orbit, could reduce the environmental impact of our terrestrial digital infrastructure.
    Michael Wu, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • It's been a season where physical strength and unwavering loyalty have held more weight than the deception and betrayal commonly found in previous seasons of the long-running reality competition show.
    Emily DeLetter, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Thanks to therapy and physical rehab, Foxx has come a long way since then.
    Staff Author, EW.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • In 2022, the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 paved the way for alternatives to animal testing, and in December 2023, an NIH advisory committee made similar recommendations to develop non-animal methods.
    Rachel Fobar, Vox, 14 May 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Bananas provide health benefits that affect many of your bodily systems, and your heart is no exception.
    Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
  • Medical queasiness and gory bodily intrusions have been a specialty of Ducournau (both of whose parents are doctors) since Raw, which turned a veterinary school into a feeding ground for two cannibal sisters.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Earthly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earthly. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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