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

Examples 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 The resulting music is impressively precise and introspective, grappling with earthly concerns with poise, while also channeling the unexpected, iridescent revelations and comforts of the divine. Pitchfork, 1 Oct. 2024 The packaging is thoroughly modern, but the message is strikingly similar to the one spread by 19th-century Spiritualists: access to the spirit realm can bring about positive results in the earthly realm. Elizabeth Garner Masarik / Made By History, TIME, 16 Oct. 2024 This daring juxtaposition is a direct homage to the artificial horizon's purpose, vividly depicting the division between the celestial realm and the earthly plane. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 It is believed to allow Ganesha to return to his celestial home after spending time in the earthly realm during Ganesh Chaturthi, a symbol of the impermanence of life. Lex Harvey, CNN, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for earthly 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earthly
Adjective
  • Murphy probably shouldn’t have returned to such close geographic and temporal proximity to the tremendous The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story — and, indeed, the two shows have many points of overlap, all of which favor American Crime Story.
    Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Sep. 2024
  • Additionally, temporal control techniques like pausing before responding or speaking at a moderate pace can demonstrate thoughtfulness and composure.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • These mundane tasks and long hours of repetitive training culminate in competitive outbursts where careers are made and broken.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024
  • By Matteo Wong Photographs by Jenn Ackerman When Melissa Kono, the town clerk in Burnside, Wisconsin, began training election workers in 2015, their questions were relatively mundane.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Since the Voyager 2 flyby, ever-improving terrestrial telescopes, the Hubble spacecraft and the James Webb observatory have brought Neptune into clearer view, allowing scientists to advance their understanding of its skies, meteorology and moons.
    Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024
  • SpaceX Starlink or OneWeb satellite internet services, for example, provide connectivity where traditional broadband is unavailable or as a backup to terrestrial land-line connectivity.
    Scott Williams, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • In contrast, marijuana has not been linked to the same level of severe physical health consequences.
    Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Collins has introduced several changes meant to monetize the business, including subscriptions, organized live events, and bringing back physical copies of the paper and its television parody, the Onion News Network.
    Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Animal lovers will enjoy horseback riding or visiting one of the area’s animal sanctuaries.
    Katie Seemann, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2023
  • Smoothies are an easy way to incorporate more non-animal protein into your diet.
    Amy Stanford, Health, 27 Mar. 2023
Adjective
  • Played by a seemingly fearless Will Price, Lucas is a daredevil chasing great bodily harm following the off-screen death of his father.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024
  • Brittney Leigh Hensley, 37, was arrested by the Ocean Springs police and charged with felony child abuse causing serious bodily harm, according to her online booking record.
    Emily Palmer, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near earthly

Cite this Entry

“Earthly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earthly. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on earthly

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