Synonym Chooser

How is the word earthly distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words mundane and worldly are common synonyms of earthly. While all three words mean "belonging to or characteristic of the earth," earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual.

abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent

When is mundane a more appropriate choice than earthly?

In some situations, the words mundane and earthly are roughly equivalent. However, mundane suggests reference to the immediate and practical.

a mundane discussion of finances

How are the words worldly and mundane related as synonyms of earthly?

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 earthly This is the most believably lusty delivery by John of lyrics about Taupin’s earthly urges. Shana Naomi Krochmal, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025 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 Williams and Wilmore and their crewmates exited Dragon, taking their first breaths of earthly air in months. Jackie Wattles, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025 That final choice encapsulates Colquhoun’s lack of interest in earthly fame. Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for earthly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earthly
Adjective
  • There is a limit, which could be discussed as a temporal one.
    News Desk, Artforum, 10 Apr. 2025
  • When the master of timing departed our temporal world for a large and silent india-ink panel nine days shy of his 96th birthday, the cartoonist left behind an enormous body of work that still dances on the page.
    Art Spiegelman, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • What could have gone down as a mundane chapter of March Madness became anything but for Terps fans after Willard picked up his megaphone the day before his team’s game and declared that his boss, athletic director, Damon Evans, was likely SMU-bound.
    Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Make mundane work addictive by reframing it as a game with levels and challenges.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Kelp captures carbon up to 20 times more than terrestrial forests.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • And most terrestrial options offer higher speeds than Starlink.
    Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Addressing both the mental and physical parts of grief is critical for healing.
    Kathleen Ferraro, SELF, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Then Trump proposed sending U.S. citizens convicted of crimes to El Salvador, where prisoners are allegedly held incommunicado and face physical and mental abuse.
    Brian Bennett, Time, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • One study of about 200 Korean scientists found that animal researchers had significantly higher anxiety scores than non-animal researchers.
    Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Ramping up surveillance Experts say the U.S. needs to boost its surveillance and detection systems now that there are more animal and human cases of D1.1.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Mosser’s office determined that none of the officers should be charged with using deadly force given the reasonable belief that the force was necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to themselves or others.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
  • They were then smuggled across the border and transported to Hartford area residences, including Sanchez’s residence on Madison Street in Hartford, often at a substantial risk of bodily injury or death.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 12 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Earthly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earthly. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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