Definition of mundanenext
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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 Creators capture not only performance clips but everything else about their Coachella experience, from the glamorous brand events and freebies to the more mundane bathroom lines and food options. ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026 These robots join services such as Uber and Lyft, helping us through mundane, everyday tasks and burdens to an easier life. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 Take this seemingly mundane possession from a mid-March game against the Phoenix Suns. Fred Katz, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 The prep work checklist included mundane tasks like getting his vehicle inspected, reviewing weather reports and picking routes without any traffic cameras. Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mundane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mundane
Adjective
  • Italian Leather Quilted Wallet Crossbody, $92 Part tote, part crossbody, this bucket bag will be your new everyday accessory.
    Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The findings raise questions about why intensity matters and how people can incorporate more intense exercise routines into everyday life.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Zhe said the study is the first to reveal the trends in artificial light use with a level of temporal detail that distinguishes individual events and regional trends.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The forty-three-year gap between provocation and retaliation is a void between cause and effect into which all temporal logic vanishes.
    Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In the wake of the extinction, on a planet beset by extreme swings in climate, with long periods of searing heat and brutal drought, Lystrosaurus flourished, becoming the most abundant terrestrial vertebrate around.
    Kate Wong, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Unlike their terrestrial counterparts, orbital data centers aren’t intended to be permanent.
    Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Everything down to gear strategy had to account for the physical toll that seven marathons would inevitably have on her body.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
  • This was the old Magic — the nasty, physical, suffocating defensive team that made every possession feel like work.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The charity reports a 70% increase in multi-animal incidents across England and Wales since 2021, defining such cases as those involving 10 or more animals.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Regulators are trying to push drug development into a post-animal testing era.
    Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s to say, there’s earthly authority and there’s heavenly authority.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
  • This silence has led a handful of scholars to insist that Paul knew no earthly Jesus at all.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Tom Steyer is too focused on bringing about idealistic policy outcomes to be sensitive to the worldly conditions that will make their implementation detrimental.
    Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The contrast between svn4vr’s different inflections evokes the spiritual tension of a pious person torn between worldly desire and submission to a higher power.
    H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Nonviolent and first-time offenses of the law are misdemeanors, while repeat offenses or violations that result in bodily injury or death can be treated as felonies.
    Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The station says Morales was charged with assault causing bodily injury involving family violence and later was released from the Midland County Detention Center after posting bond.
    Greg Norman-Diamond , Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mundane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mundane. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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