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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 Across the country, raucous protests at ICE facilities, aggressive tactics by masked agents in the field and heated political rhetoric on both sides have become a dangerous new backdrop to what for years had been the quiet, mundane work of immigration enforcement. Rick Jervis, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025 His other goal in his preceding 24 appearances — stabbed in from close range from a corner in another 6-0 Carabao Cup win, this time at Oxford United in round two — was mundane by comparison. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025 The reason, according to people familiar with the situation, is more mundane—the Yankees play at home on Wednesday, and though MLS schedule-makers knew that in advance, this was the best date to have Inter Miami travel to play NYCFC. Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 24 Sep. 2025 Big companies invest in big changes but are often slow to notice the mundane, systemic inefficiencies a curious outsider can quickly map. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mundane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mundane
Adjective
  • These muscles also act as synergists, working with your glutes and core to maintain alignment through everyday activities.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
  • And Democrats should be willing to stand and fight for the basic economic well being of everyday people.
    Nik Popli, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Spectral imaging geolocation hyper-temporal sensor A centerpiece of the IIIF system is a new instrument called the Spectral Imaging Geolocation Hyper-Temporal Sensor, or SIGHTS, which traces its roots to basic research at Sandia more than a decade ago.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Between June and September 2023, Dale had a deep plane neck and facelift, forehead lift, blepharoplasty (upper and lower), fat transfer to the face, temporal lift and a chemical peel.
    Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But beyond its sheer existence, as a large terrestrial bird with a limited capacity for flight, the Menura fits into a rare category of birds like ostriches and penguins that stay grounded rather than taking off into the skies.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2025
  • In the longer term, the best way to properly confirm these findings would be to return samples for analysis in terrestrial laboratories.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the cold and austere German winter (a far cry from Dakar’s physical and cultural warmth), an anxious Nourou acts up outside a hotel and is accosted by a Polish security guard, setting off a minor chain reaction in which Maja intervenes on his behalf, much to his chagrin.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Cottrell is facing one count of murder and one count of tampering with physical evidence.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 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
  • This means the earthly remains of the beloved saint will bring thousands of visitors to honor the saint's life of virtue and ask for her prayers.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Scholars intuited a link between the celestial and earthly multitudes.
    Greg Grandin September 23, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her erotica revels in bodily fluids.
    Judith Thurman, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The suspect, 27-year-old Saul Montanez, faces charges of collision involving death and serious bodily injury, according to jail records.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Parked nearby is a grocery cart filled with his worldly processions.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Cecile is worldly and has seen her share of sorrow, while Fanny has been cloistered in this elaborate old castle under the watchful eye of an over-protective mother and eccentric grandmother.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mundane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mundane. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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