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

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

During the Cannes Film Festival, a melting pot of worldly accents can be heard gossiping at beach clubs, waiting on movie queues and shouting at wild afterparties — but one rang most excited, the gleeful Italian cadence of Marco Calvani. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 23 May 2025

Members of the second live according to self-love and seek worldly power. —Alejandro Antonio Chafuen, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

But after loading all her worldly possessions into the back of Sam’s decaying van-cab, what should have been a simple fare becomes a wild, late-night odyssey. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 6 May 2025

Experiencing new cultures, unique attractions, indigenous cuisine and never-before-tried activities are all part of the worldly adventure. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025