Synonyms of worldly

worldly

adjective

ˈwər(-ə)ld-lē 

1

as in cosmopolitan

having a wide and refined knowledge of the world especially from personal experience

she returned from her year as an exchange student a much more worldly person

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cosmopolitan
• sophisticated
• smart
• civilized
• worldly-wise
• polished
• bored
• pragmatic
• cultured
• experienced
• cynical
• sober
• cultivated
• pragmatical
• urbane
• seasoned
• realistic
• suave
• knowing
• skeptical
• refined
• jaded
• practiced
• schooled
• down-to-earth

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unsophisticated
• naive
• unworldly
• innocent
• naïve
• ingenuous
• guileless
• untutored
• green
• parochial
• inexperienced
• provincial
• raw
• rustic
• callow
• uncivilized
• childlike
• simple
• wide-eyed
• uncultured
• unrefined
• idealistic
• impractical
• simpleminded
• rustical
• uncritical
• unknowing
• philistine

2

as in mundane

having to do with life on earth especially as opposed to that in heaven

preoccupied with worldly concerns

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mundane
• temporal
• terrestrial
• physical
• earthly
• animal
• bodily
• carnal
• sublunary
• earthbound
• corporeal
• fleshly
• daily
• terrene
• material
• corporal
• earthborn
• unspiritual
• diurnal
• anthropocentric
• anthropic
• anthropical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• heavenly
• celestial
• spiritual
• unearthly
• religious
• metaphysical
• unworldly
• divine
• supernal
• sacred
• devotional
• utopian
• nontemporal
• transcendental
• transcendent
• supernatural
• empyrean
• ethereal
• empyreal
• Elysian
• otherworldly
• extraterrestrial
• unearthly

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

Recent Examples of worldly

This new reading revises not only the phrases quoted in the sermon, but also the entire Song of Wade, centering the hero amid worldly dangers rather than mythical beasts. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 18 July 2025

Housed at Doctor Who and Industry producer Bad Wolf, Game of Thrones star Varma and Richard Coyle (Heads of State) are set as Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Mary’s worldly aunt and uncle. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 June 2025

Her work is exceptionally feminine but the mythology and history referenced in her decorative motifs are often much more worldly than femininity is usually understood to imply. —Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025

Morrison is 32 now — older, wiser, a lot more worldly than the kid who got into trouble, ended up in court and left Old Trafford without fulfilling that rare potential. —Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 6 June 2025