worldly

adjective

ˈwər(-ə)ld-lē How to pronounce worldly (audio)
Definition of worldlynext
1
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
2
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 Johanna’s worldly bearing and otherworldly beauty; the unbearable stirrings of jealousy aroused when her teacher bonds with other students; the deeper bond that forms when Johanne impulsively pays a visit to Johanna’s apartment. — Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025 Related Articles The designer said his creations are meant to be emotional and inspiring and often involve worldly cultural references and traditional craftsmanship. — Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025 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, 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 See All Example Sentences for worldly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worldly
  1. cosmopolitan
  2. mundane
  3. sophisticated
  4. temporal
  5. terrestrial
  6. physical
  7. earthly
Adjective
  • The city has a layered academic landscape—including JWU, Brown University, University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island School of Design and Providence College—which Wesen says contributes to a cosmopolitan environment where cultural diversity is celebrated through food.
    — Jill Barth, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Less than 15 miles from Rome, Ostia Antica was once a bustling cosmopolitan seaport at the mouth of the Tiber River, where many Mediterranean cultures mingled.
    — Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of cosmopolitan
Adjective
  • Most capture mundane experiences, impressive in their hyperrealistic way, but some are sublime, or surreal, or place you in a morally challenging position.
    — Anna Russell, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2025
  • From swimming goggles to neckties, these mundane objects take on profound personal meaning at a London exhibition.
    — Emma Cieslik, Them, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of mundane
Adjective
  • One sophisticated take on the trend turns the clog into a main character by combining it with matching neutral tones for a refined air.
    — Casandra Maggio, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Honda claims that the S7, its first-ever premium electric SUV, will break new ground thanks to exceptional comfort, a sophisticated modern look, and, most importantly, more than 400 miles (650 km) of driving range.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of sophisticated
Adjective
  • Taking a broader temporal view of the crypto industry's evolution, of the over 24,000 cryptocurrencies listed on CoinGecko since 2014 to the end of 2023, over 50% have died.
    — Max (Chong) Li, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • From there on out, the film takes a couple of major swings in the realm of its timeline — a strange temporal unfurling — as well as the seeming motives behind A.J. and Isaac’s arrival, and Camille’s readiness to host them alongside a friend who clearly needs some alone time.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of temporal
Adjective
  • Its civil servants have a track record of working fifty-to-sixty-hour weeks, based on spacecraft trajectories rather than terrestrial clocks.
    — David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Whatever terrestrial fare, it’s bound to be different from what is available on the ISS, around 200 miles or more above the surface of the Earth.
    — NBC News, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of terrestrial
Adjective
  • Robinson’s humor is wildly cringe and enjoyable as usual, as the physical comedy master has to say very little to elicit laughs.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
  • But there were also traumas owing to physical violence, poverty, and neglect, and intergenerational traumas related to their grandparents’ immigration from Korea to the United States.
    — Emily McDermott, ARTnews.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • This seems rather an understatement to your correspondent., for the style, substance, silhouettes and scintillation of Anaïs C. jewels embody an earthly yet mystical mix of sustainably sourced, precious gemstones inside of primal jewelry forms.
    — Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Now there is a new wave of missions—some crashing into the moon or missing entirely, but earthly technology is advancing and there have been some major successes.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of earthly

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Cite this Entry

“Worldly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worldly. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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