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 In either case, the Clipper will end its voyage with a kamikaze descent to Jupiter's moon Ganymede to prevent any chance of a future uncontrolled crash on Europa that might bring earthly microbes to the moon and its possibly habitable sub-surface environment. William Harwood, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for earthly 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earthly
Adjective
  • Such temporal variability only reinforced the Republican belief that the count was unfair.
    Chris Jackson, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024
  • This technique, called transcranial temporal interference electric stimulation (tTIS), non-invasively sends pulses into the brain without causing discomfort to the patient.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • By reducing the medium to something as absurdly mundane as a piece of fruit and duct tape, Comedian forces us to confront the art market’s fragile systems of value.
    Natalie Stoclet, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Senate Republicans rebelled late Monday night, dragging out the floor process by forcing Democrats to hold time-consuming votes on procedural motions that are usually routine and otherwise mundane.
    Mariam Khan, ABC News, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • These developments underscore the ongoing collaboration between satellite and terrestrial providers to shape a robust ecosystem for road mobility, enhancing both safety and efficiency in the connected transportation industry.
    Will Townsend, Forbes, 19 Nov. 2024
  • That is in total conflict with a century of continually developing fish and wildlife science to guide the management of these species and their aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
    Grant Gelhardt, Sun Sentinel, 21 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The coaches can counsel you on adopting a heart-healthy diet, fitting daily physical activity into your schedule, and reducing stress.
    Maggie O'Neill, Health, 30 Nov. 2024
  • In these scenes, Schrader films with a visual romanticism and a loving attachment to the era’s physical stylings: the sleek lines of Leo’s mid-sixties Corvair, the swooping modernism of a new airport, the gleam of a diner counter, the confident solidity of the refrigerators and telephones.
    Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 29 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
  • One of many reasons for this relates to hormone regulation, and sleep is critical for releasing and creating important hormones in the body for proper bodily functions.
    Omer Awan, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024
  • About 571 were charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement agents or officers or obstructing those officers during a civil disorder, including approximately 164 defendants charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer.
    Louis Jacobson, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near earthly

Cite this Entry

“Earthly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earthly. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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