world

noun

ˈwər(-ə)ld How to pronounce world (audio)
Definition of worldnext
1
as in humanity
human beings in general the whole world is waiting to see how this crisis will play out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in globe
the celestial body on which we live worried about the effects of pollution on the world

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in universe
the whole body of things observed or assumed theories about the origin of the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in galaxy
a huge physical or conceptual distance they have ideas for the new project that are a world away from his own

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 world Cline‘s 2023 novel, published by Penguin Random House, centers on a calculating grifter who navigates the treacherous world of summer in the Hamptons. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 The furniture is by the English designer, and fashion world favorite, Rose Uniacke, with walls covered in Edward Bulmer Natural paint. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 Livestream announcement a surprise to some Army officials Public executions were gradually outlawed by states beginning in the 19th century and have long been taboo across much of the developed world. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 The loss of hair is how the outside world is, instantly, able to identify a patient. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for world
Recent Examples of Synonyms for world
  1. humanity
  2. globe
  3. universe
  4. galaxy
  5. people
  6. planet
  7. nature
  8. way
Noun
  • This collective nature has a layering effect, telegraphing a specific sense of style and humanity increasingly rare in the world of contemporary hotels.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • To Reynolds, Mai was an embodiment of the universal nobility of humanity – a far cry from Westminster Magazine’s depiction of the islander as no more than a cheap amusement.
    — Saar Shahar, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of humanity
Noun
  • The gas can always be liquefied and exported around the world to an energy-needy globe.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • For well-heeled, globe-trotting diners, Noma offered an escape from modernity and the sensation of communing with something more elemental and earthbound.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of globe
Noun
  • The first episode will spotlight the creation of Harry Potter and the stratospheric success of the wizarding universe created by Rowling.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The No Man’s Sky universe is about to get a little bit smaller — but in a good way.
    — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of universe
Noun
  • The Nobel committee said his work was instrumental to the construction of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica, which glimpsed the first high-energy neutrinos from faraway galaxies.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Instead of projecting random stars, the Pococo Galaxy Projector uses projection discs to fill the room with gorgeous, sharp images of planets, galaxies and much more.
    — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of galaxy
Noun
  • Another 13 people were wounded on downtown Sacramento’s K Street and 10th Street, in what became the deadliest mass shooting in the city’s history.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
  • Organizers say more than 125,000 people are expected throughout the event, bringing in millions of dollars for the local economy.
    — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Definition of people
Noun
  • These systems contain unusually large amounts of warm dust close to the young star, in the region similar to that occupied by rocky planets in the solar system.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The subject is not a murder trial but the slow-moving murder of our planet and human civilization by us.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of planet
Noun
  • Sometimes, when relationships and world politics give people plenty to be angry about, the impulse is to go outside, disconnect, and be one with nature.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Four-day yoga retreats on the riverbank, nature walks, and helicopter flights over Victoria Falls are just some of the activities on offer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of nature
Noun
  • As the business has grown, Nouri’s customers increasingly look for more ways to express their personal style on their wedding day.
    — Madison Collins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Someone who has regarded filmmaking as a mysterious occupation might begin to see a way into it.
    — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of way

Phrases Containing world

Browse Nearby Words

workwomen
world
world-beater
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“World.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/world. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of abscond

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All