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

Relevance

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 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 Their undefinable, worldly taste is also reflected in the Alfallah sisters’ wardrobe. —

Jonathan Borge, InStyle, 10 Mar. 2026 Hindu seekers retreat to ashrams, Muslims seclude themselves in mosques away from worldly distractions during Ramadan to practice I'tikaf, and Jews break from work and technology every week on shabbat. —

Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for worldly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for worldly

Adjective

For something more casual, Argo cocktail bar delivers cosmopolitan energy, while Caprice Bar offers rare wines and exquisite cheese pairings.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, expatriate Hungarians in cities such as Berlin, Brussels, Paris, and London—a smaller contingent, deemed unreliable by virtue of their exposure to cosmopolitan societies—must queue up at diplomatic missions.

— Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026