1
2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mundane distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words earthly and worldly are common synonyms of mundane. While all three words mean "belonging to or characteristic of the earth," mundane suggests reference to the immediate and practical.

a mundane discussion of finances

In what contexts can earthly take the place of mundane?

While in some cases nearly identical to mundane, earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual.

abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent

How are the words worldly and mundane related?

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

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 mundane The mundane household item isn't a product that draws excitement. Allure, 31 Jan. 2025 Israel considers members of the police force to be Hamas terrorists and legitimate military targets, even though some officers also carry out more mundane duties like traffic enforcement and crime prevention. Raf Sanchez, NBC News, 29 Jan. 2025 Despite that, the Dodgers were still viewed as favorites all along — for more mundane reasons typical of other free agencies. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025 Many applications get rejected because of seemingly mundane errors, such as misspelling your name, or entering the wrong Social Security Number. Christopher Flavelle, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mundane 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mundane
Adjective
  • When described in terms of everyday objects, that amount of energy might not sound like a lot.
    Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Listen to this article Amid the fast-paced, stressful pace of everyday life, Leu Gardens invites visitors to take a break in nature while exploring an outdoor art exhibit inspired by the Zen art of origami.
    Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Great vacations exist in a temporal netherworld, unmoored from the reality of daily life.
    Sofia Perez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The Apocalypse was a way out, a temporal doorway to God and Heaven.
    Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Before the internet, the methods of finding new sounds were decentralized and not equally accessible: terrestrial radio, cable television, music magazines, cool older sisters.
    Brad Shoup, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2025
  • There are no good answers yet, though, and rushing with undue haste to Mars could result in shortcuts being taken that could greatly increase the risk of contaminating Mars with terrestrial microbes.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Some of the Israeli hostages who have returned since January 19 have reported being deprived of food, held in tunnels for months and not seeing daylight, and being subjected to physical and psychological abuse.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Regular mindfulness practices may improve your ability to cope with the physical and emotional challenges of menopause, including hot flashes.78 Practicing mindfulness can involve yoga, meditation, or even just noticing your breath or the sights and sounds around you at any moment.9 4.
    Sarah Jividen, Health, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • However, they are immediately attacked by a ferocious creature that seems not fully animal, not fully human.
    EW.com, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Animal lovers will enjoy horseback riding or visiting one of the area’s animal sanctuaries.
    Katie Seemann, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2023
Adjective
  • The monastery is especially known for its incredible wall hangings and a cache of artifacts associated with centuries of Rinchen Zangpo’s reborn earthly form.
    Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Here, the gardens often appear to be sinking or submerged as rising seas threaten to turn earthly Edens into swampland.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • He is charged with conspiracy, attacking civilians, murder in violation of the law or war, terrorism, hijacking or hazarding a vessel or aircraft and intentionally causing serious bodily injury.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
  • The Chicago Heights teen, 17, pleaded guilty Jan. 10 to strangulation and domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, both Level 6 felonies.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The menu changes seasonally, with chef Dan Cote featuring local ingredients and a worldly influence, such as the Egyptian spice blend dukkah on the autumn salad.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
  • The firm is known for setting a timeless foundation, then layering in color, pattern, worldly accents, and energetic art.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near mundane

Cite this Entry

“Mundane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mundane. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mundane

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!