Synonym Chooser

How is the word worldly distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words earthly and mundane are common synonyms of worldly. While all three words mean "belonging to or characteristic of the earth," 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

When could earthly be used to replace worldly?

Although the words earthly and worldly have much in common, earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual.

abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent

In what contexts can mundane take the place of worldly?

While in some cases nearly identical to worldly, mundane suggests reference to the immediate and practical.

a mundane discussion of finances

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 worldly What’s to Come with Fragrance Trujillo spoke to the future of fragrances, and the next several years will be worldly and unexpected. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 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 The existence of the Vatican as a sovereign state is rooted in the papal refusal to let go of worldly and territorial power. Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for worldly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worldly
Adjective
  • But Cape Charles is decidedly more cosmopolitan than Andy Griffith's stomping grounds.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Geneva is a buzzy cosmopolitan hub with top notch museums and galleries, and the epicenter of fine watchmaking and chocolates.
    Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Topline While still challenged by outdated technology and a chronic air traffic controller shortage, Newark Liberty International Airport is facing flight delays Wednesday due to something more mundane: weather conditions.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • As the narrative unfolds, her mundane tasks take a playful turn, with suggestive dance moves punctuating her daydreams, until Wheeler suddenly appears unannounced, leaving both characters caught in a moment of shy intrigue.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Modern manufacturing already relies on robotics, computer vision, predictive maintenance and sophisticated supply chain optimization.
    Richard Lebovitz, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • For active traders seeking sophisticated, flexible trading tools, Robinhood Legend has arrived, introducing a new way to trade.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Symmetry through recurrent objects entered in the frame is common, with temporal match-cuts employed to take us from day to night, or even sunlight to surrounding snow.
    David Katz, IndieWire, 18 May 2025
  • The temporal system divides daylight into six variable-length periods that vary with the season.
    Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The new study suggests, however, that records of ancient tsunamis may be found in the form of amber and other terrestrial material deposited in deep-sea sediments.
    Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2025
  • Moving some of those data centers to space, whether placed in stationary locations on the moon or traveling in near-Earth orbit, could reduce the environmental impact of our terrestrial digital infrastructure.
    Michael Wu, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • It's been a season where physical strength and unwavering loyalty have held more weight than the deception and betrayal commonly found in previous seasons of the long-running reality competition show.
    Emily DeLetter, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Thanks to therapy and physical rehab, Foxx has come a long way since then.
    Staff Author, EW.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Their parents have long since left this earthly plane.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Worldly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worldly. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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