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 Pick issues that are mundane, but that people still care about, like what to stock in the office kitchen. Tessa West, Contributor, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025 There’s something amusing about using a high-powered car for mundane family tasks, or seeing the family hound’s slobbery jowls pressed against the rear screen as his owner blew off yet another sports car at the lights. Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2025 The letters are at times humorous, sad, moving and mundane, offering a glimpse into the private and loving life the couple led before they were both found dead in their Santa Fe compound in February. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025 Their routines, quiet and mundane, signal a growing — and largely invisible — crisis that threatens New York City’s future. Jonah Markowitz, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mundane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mundane
Adjective
  • That’s not to say that outfielder Grisham couldn’t be on his way to re-establishing himself as an everyday player or amid a career year.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Some of the best deals include: the Winny Sneakers (now $115, down from $130) for everyday errands; the Uptown Ballet Flats (as low as $46 in select sizes, originally $130) for a polished touch; and the Onyx Jamie Platform Sandals (now $116, down from $130) for a supportive lift.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The camerlengo also administers the goods and temporal rights of the Holy See until a new pope is chosen.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Unlike image or text generation, music operates within strict temporal and structural constraints.
    Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • To remove any terrestrial water the 50-year-old samples would have absorbed since their return to Earth, Yeo and her team baked the samples overnight in a vacuum furnace.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Scientists are concerned with how abiogenesis — the inception of life from non-living matter — could have occurred in the first place; some theories state that certain environments on Earth, like hydrothermal vents deep in the ocean or terrestrial hot springs, drove prebiotic processes.
    Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Not having a big, physical presence down low, as well as someone who can block shots, rebound, run the floor, and be a constant lob threat, is a problem when Dončić is on the floor.
    Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • That's according to researchers at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), who made a specific discovery about physical activity's brain benefits.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • One study of about 200 Korean scientists found that animal researchers had significantly higher anxiety scores than non-animal researchers.
    Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The lower the figure of magnitude, the brighter the star and Sirius is one of only four stars seen from our earthly perspective with a negative magnitude (-1.45).
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Following a ceremony, the body is dressed in a white cassock – a long robe with 33 buttons, one for each year of the earthly life of Jesus.
    George Petras, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s why Florida must implement mandatory bodily injury (BI) liability insurance.
    Richard D Schuler, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Tune into any bodily responses (ease, tension, vitality, etc.).
    Nancy Zamierowski, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This blends seamlessly into the surrounding decor while offering a worldly and sophisticated element.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025
  • His final wish: to be remembered as a humble priest, not as a figure of worldly power.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mundane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mundane. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mundane

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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