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 His lawyer, John Carman, said federal prosecutors dressed up a mundane paperwork case with specious suggestions that Lu was involved in spying and intelligence gathering. ABC News, 13 May 2026 Much of what family and mom influencers put out—weekly grocery hauls, time-lapse kitchen-cleaning videos, bedtime routines—is mundane. Kristen Martin, The Atlantic, 13 May 2026 Microplastics — those microscopic plastic fragments now turning up in drinking water, soil and even Arctic air — are pouring out of our homes through one of the most mundane chores imaginable. Ryan Brennan may 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026 This list compiles some of the odd jobs and mundane occupations of famous scribes. René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for mundane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mundane
Adjective
  • Recently, the state’s largest teachers union, alongside everyday parents, filed a lawsuit against the state of Florida alleging a continued failure to adequately invest in public education.
    Maxine Ann-Marie Lewers, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
  • The answer came from everyday records.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • In fact, infants start out being able to process multiple temporal patterns equally well, but specialize across the first year in the patterns common to their culture, losing the ability to process others.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Even when Andy starts spiraling into discussions about cosmic turtles, destiny, and temporal manipulation, his big sister anchors that playful back-and-forth in serious creative rigor.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • How did any of the terrestrial planets form?
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 12 May 2026
  • Whales, dolphins, sea lions and sea otters frolic in the waters around the park, while the islands provide a terrestrial habitat for super-rare flora and fauna species like the Torrey Pine and Island Fox.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • The affidavit states that Dunmars parked in front of Hayes’ vehicle, partially blocking her path, before a physical fight allegedly broke out involving Dunmars’ daughter and two of Hayes’ daughters.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • And with more than 20 miles of trails on the property to explore, the natural surroundings here cannot help but enhance members’ mental and physical well-being.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 May 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
  • As earthly circles of hell go, modern-day Newark is in an altogether different, gentler category from post-WWII Leningrad.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 May 2026
  • Divinity above, earthly pleasures below.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Countless culinary experiences that showcase both local and worldly flavors.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
  • The giant operating room, with its other-worldly machines and too many doctors and nurses to count, lay on the other side of two glass doors, and next to me seven more nurses and doctors were scrubbing in.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Ebola is highly contagious and can be contracted via bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 May 2026
  • Another was arrested at his home on suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing great bodily injury or death.
    Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mundane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mundane. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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