WORLDLY Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

worldly

adjective

ˈwər(-ə)ld-lē

Definition of worldly next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in mundane

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Though, those alternate universes in Everything Everywhere might just work as a vehicle for showing audiences a myriad of worldly possibilities, says Yeoh. —

Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026 Kitty, whose worldly possessions fit into two plastic bags, is seen repeatedly in the same clothes, and bourgeois hostility to her presence in Beth’s middle-class neighborhood compounds her feelings of worthlessness. —

Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2026 Cohen-Solal’s Picasso was a worldly figure navigating a world of oftentimes cruel nationalism. —

Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026 On a more worldly front, your pursuit of success should continue to succeed. —

Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for worldly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for worldly

Adjective

But new research suggests that our forbears had more varied and cosmopolitan tastes, centuries before the Guide Michelin.

— Scott Simon, NPR, 14 Mar. 2026
Boston has a younger, cosmopolitan squad and, like Denver, a new-to-the-league manager in Filipa Patão.

— Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026