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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 In more mundane incidents during a flight, sitting near an emergency exit would allow passengers to disembark sooner than others. Colson Thayer, People.com, 18 June 2025 Hinton believes that jobs that perform mundane tasks will be taken over by AI, as roles like receptionists and customer service representatives are already vulnerable. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 17 June 2025 The Life of Chuck takes on a more mundane horror: the natural passing of time. Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 16 June 2025 The shooting stats also reveal a more mundane issue: The Thunder’s two best players have missed a ton of makable middies. John Hollinger, New York Times, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mundane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mundane
Adjective
  • Stewart and company now have more than 1,200 reels of everyday treasure in the archive, thanks to 50 or so South Side families.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
  • An argument long debated in the courts is whether air conditioning goes beyond basic needs, since everyday citizens aren't guaranteed air conditioning in their homes.
    Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Generally, Proverbs-Job-Ecclesiastes can be viewed as a temporal trilogy reflecting certainty about wealth and health type rewards in this life for righteousness, with a transition to questioning any such connection, and then cynicism.
    Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • In recent years, the editors of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists have added factors ranging from climate change to artificial intelligence into their temporal calculus.
    Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Flying drones may avoid some problems navigating terrestrial obstacles and potentially be less intrusive and faster.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025
  • As a result, Martian dust devils can be thrice as large as their terrestrial analogues.
    Unnati Ashar, Space.com, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • This year, Boissy was visibly in the best physical condition of his career, armed with a different mental approach to the game that fuelled his MVP run.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • When opposition attackers launch the ball in his penalty area, John makes full use of his physical presence and 6ft 5in (196cm) frame.
    Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 9 July 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
  • The result is a project that transformed a site of heavenly aspirations into one of earthly delight.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 27 June 2025
  • Much like those on this earthly plane, the way to a spirit’s heart is through his or her stomach.
    Vanessa Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Of the threats of bodily harm and even death to men who got in the way.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 3 July 2025
  • Aren’t dino farms, in which the poor creatures are kept alive just to be drained of their precious bodily fluids, the next step?
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques — these worldly shells stand as evidence of New York’s long history of diversity and change.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 27 June 2025
  • Dwayne Keith Project, a Hartford act fusing gospel, jazz and hip-hop. 8:30 to 10 p.m.: Khruangbin, the worldly psychedelic soul/rock/dub/pop trio from Houston, Texas.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mundane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mundane. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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