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 By taking on the condition of a servant, the Son reveals the Father’s glory, overturning the worldly standards that so often distort our conscience. —

Mike Snider, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026 Spilsbury, a native Southern California who previously owned her own café, describes Cbar as a welcoming coastal bistro with worldly flavors, especially from the regions where its wines are sourced. —

Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 Secular music—beginning with blues but later including jazz, rhythm and blues (R&B), and rock and roll—typically voiced more worldly concerns. —

René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Mar. 2026 Ramadan is the month that Muslims fast from food and drink from sun up to sun down in an effort to form a deeper connection with God, without the distractions of worldly temptations. —

Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for worldly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for worldly

Adjective

The Whitley Hotel Atlanta Buckhead One of Buckhead's most charming properties, The Whitley blends old-school grandeur with cosmopolitan style.

— Ellie Nan Storck, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026
The city’s cultural scene is built on the idea that people from different traditions and disciplines, when brought together, create a cosmopolitan reality that no mono cultural city can replicate.

— Mina Al-Oraibi, Time, 14 Apr. 2026