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 The interior designer blends her experiences in theater and luxury product design in her interiors, which feature lively colors and patterns, worldly influences, artful accents, and striking lighting. Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2025 My Hallmark movie has reached its inevitable ending — the worldly woman returned to her hometown and fell in love with the Christmas tree farmer (well, retired chemist). Christine Murphy, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025 As Markle's version of Goop, The Tig was about living a worldly life, broadening your horizons, and aspiring for beauty and wellness in the everyday. Alanna Bennett, refinery29.com, 14 Mar. 2025 The breakfast buffet, too, is just as worldly: the bountiful help-yourself spread of arepas, empanadas, smoked salmon, baba ganoush, fresh fruit, and more is the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring. Katie Chang, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for worldly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worldly
Adjective
  • For nearly a century now The Pierre has never lost its cosmopolitan luster, and Perrine, now re-incarnated with Chef Garofalo, matches that appeal as a restaurant of convincing posh and good taste.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Onward to colorful, cosmopolitan Dallas, through Austin (home of the University of Texas), and finally to San Antonio, where the legend of the Alamo and the Riverwalk attract people from all over the world.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, embracing AI helped me and my team discover new ways of working collaboratively, shifting our focus from mundane tasks to truly meaningful activities.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Traditional mayonnaise is a mundane miracle: a mixture of water and oil held together by the magic of an egg yolk (also known as lecithin, an emulsifier).
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Inside the lines, however, each hole connects to very sophisticated emitter that releases water one drop at a time.
    Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
  • That review can be cursory (does your tax return match the data that the IRS has on file?) or a bit more sophisticated (does your tax return make sense based on other data, like your historic filing patterns?).
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Bill Murray got emotional talking about his old pal Bruce Willis, who has been battling frontal temporal dementia and aphasia for the past several years.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2025
  • There are several astronomical functions, but the most entertaining one is the temporal tracking of celestial observations.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Taking its name from a terrestrial kingfisher with a distinctive call, the Kookaburra is designed by Australian firm Unplgd Tiny Homes and is based on a triple-axle trailer and finished in wood, with metal accenting.
    Adam Williams, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Considerations like harsh maritime environments are addressed today in terrestrial applications and these learnings can be applied to the maritime environment.
    Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • South Carolina went undefeated during a dominant championship run last year that featured a physical roster no opponent could match up with.
    Alanis Thames, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Along with the physical camouflage and protection, it is thought to be effective in startling predators such as the wasp caught on film, giving both caterpillars and hummingbird hatchlings a greater chance of survival.
    Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The clipping of grape bunches off the vines created a rhythm as if the harvesters performing these acts had synchronized a symphony of earthly beauty.
    Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • This is the most believably lusty delivery by John of lyrics about Taupin’s earthly urges.
    Shana Naomi Krochmal, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Worldly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worldly. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on worldly

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!