Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective worldly-wise differ from other similar words?

The words blasé and sophisticated are common synonyms of worldly-wise. While all three words mean "experienced in the ways of the world," worldly-wise suggests a close and practical knowledge of the affairs and manners of society and an inclination toward materialism.

a worldly-wise woman with a philosophy of personal independence

When can blasé be used instead of worldly-wise?

The meanings of blasé and worldly-wise largely overlap; however, blasé implies a lack of responsiveness to common joys as a result of a real or affected surfeit of experience and cultivation.

blasé travelers who claimed to have been everywhere

Where would sophisticated be a reasonable alternative to worldly-wise?

In some situations, the words sophisticated and worldly-wise are roughly equivalent. However, sophisticated often implies refinement, urbanity, cleverness, and cultivation.

guests at her salon were usually rich and sophisticated

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-wise Crucially, they are grounded in real-world experiences, from a recent exchange with worldly-wise restaurant waitresses in Bordeaux exemplifying trust and collaboration, to the coaching of top CEOs over the past 20 years. Hec Paris Insights, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 Heather Alicia Simms and Vanessa Bell Calloway are both sharp, witty, and poignant without sentimentality as the play’s two matriarchal figures, the formidable Missy Judson and Idella Landy, the wry, worldly-wise housekeeper who essentially raised Charlie. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 16 June 2024 Parroni does a good job of balancing the way that adolescents veer from experimenting with a worldly-wise cynicism and dipping back into the wildness of childhood. Catherine Bray, Variety, 9 Sep. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worldly-wise
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
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
Adjective
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

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

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!