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 Between exorcisms and moments of daily life, a universe is revealed where a complex balance exists between the magical and the earthly. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026 Should an earthly leader be promoting a heavenly cause? Brett Whalen, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026 During a roughly four-hour timespan centered on the time of perihelion, the comet will appear to pass behind the sun as seen from our earthly perspective, then rapidly swing around and cross in front of the sun. Joe Rao, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2026 But a battlefield promotion to Ayatollah was arranged, blending faith with politics in an exercise that critics said sullied both even before Khamenei reinforced his position by earthly means, elevating the IRGC. Karl Vick, Time, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for earthly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earthly
Adjective
  • In the Paris Club, a similar power differential is reflected in the spatial and temporal arrangement of the procedures, which borders on the theatrical.
    Sven van Mourik, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Traditional microscopy methods often lack either the spatial or temporal resolution needed to capture such phenomena.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Creators capture not only performance clips but also everything else about their Coachella experience, from the glamorous brand events and freebies to the more mundane bathroom lines and food options.
    Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Despite the accomplishments, Artemis II astronauts had to contend with a more mundane problem -- a malfunctioning space toilet.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • To tune in to distant galaxies and other faraway objects, astronomers would need an antenna somewhere with no atmosphere that also would be somehow protected from all our terrestrial chatter.
    Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Researchers argue that such systems could produce far more energy per unit area than terrestrial solar farms, as orbiting panels operate without atmospheric losses or cloud cover.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Drew Allar is a walking collection of top-end NFL quarterback traits, too — there is no reason a QB with that type of physical talent should be waiting around late into Day 3.
    Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Officers responded to a 911 call and were informed of a verbal dispute that escalated into a physical altercation, the department told Footwear News.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Regulators are trying to push drug development into a post-animal testing era.
    Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 19 Mar. 2026
  • In Oman, as across the Gulf, a top-tier camel is less animal than asset class: meticulously pedigreed, obsessively trained, and paraded before judges who score on everything from ear set to gait.
    Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 25 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Earthly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earthly. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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