Definition of mundanenext
1
2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mundane distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words earthly and worldly are common synonyms of mundane. While all three words mean "belonging to or characteristic of the earth," mundane suggests reference to the immediate and practical.

a mundane discussion of finances

In what contexts can earthly take the place of mundane?

While in some cases nearly identical to mundane, earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual.

abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent

How are the words worldly and mundane related?

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 mundane Natalie Dattilo Psychologist Between regular exposure to the mundane and increased access to everything else, worries stack — and so does stress and anxiety. — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 Even Santos’ mundane stories sound like character-building arcs in a rugged epic, never mind the ones involving animal run-ins. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026 These ideas sparked my weary soul, fueled by both the deeply universal script and Chidgasornpongse’s formal control of his images, both mundane and surreal. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026 Ward identifies as an empath, with a level of sensitivity to detect risk or safety even in the most mundane situations. — Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mundane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mundane
Adjective
  • Many academic researchers publish only a handful of papers each year, seeking scientific discoveries or solutions to everyday problems facing businesses and government agencies.
    — TODD WALLACK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Established in the 1880s, Greenwood Cemetery reflects much of Orlando’s history, including the racial boundaries that governed everyday life during the Jim Crow era.
    — Sarah M. Boye, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, real data infrastructure applies temporal reasoning, asking not just who an entity is, but precisely when that information was valid.
    — Filip Popovic, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Distance is often flattened in horror through spatial-temporal confusion.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Of course, Musk could simply do what many think is impossible — or at least economically infeasible — and ditch terrestrial AI instrastructure altogether.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The partnership brings advanced computing hardware into a project designed for operation beyond traditional terrestrial data centers.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • As on Does Spring Hide Its Joy, the question of who is making what sound—of what physical processes generated the music that now floats from a pair of headphones—loses its charge within a few minutes.
    — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The acquisition adds expertise in developing AI systems that allow robots to understand their environments and perform physical tasks.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Vegetable Oils Vegetable and seed oils are some of the richest non-animal dietary sources of CoQ10.
    — Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 16 July 2026
  • Computer models and other non-animal testing methods still aren’t the best available science, critics contend.
    — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • That evil manifests in shocking moments of exorcism, but also in moments of earthly anger.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The feeling is that of an earthly Eden planted in a corner of Sardinia.
    — Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Ann gets older, growing up to be played by Lucy Halliday, who exudes the same naïve energy in a more worldly body.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Aspen has long been a hotspot for skiers searching for fresh powder and a lively après scene, but the town has been on a roll more recently with all types because of its worldly mix of cultures on display at institutions like the Aspen Art Museum.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In July 2025, Rice pleaded guilty to third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • In certain communities, funeral practices included washing the body and sprinkling water on mourners, which risked exposing people to infected bodily fluids.
    — Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mundane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mundane. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster