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Synonym Chooser

How is the word mundane distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words earthly and worldly are common synonyms of mundane. While all three words mean "belonging to or characteristic of the earth," mundane suggests reference to the immediate and practical.

a mundane discussion of finances

In what contexts can earthly take the place of mundane?

While in some cases nearly identical to mundane, earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual.

abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent

How are the words worldly and mundane related?

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 mundane His job description entailed everything from the mundane to the shocking. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025 But last week four men were arrested in Tokyo for a more mundane crime - operating a yakuza office too close to a library. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 May 2025 There is also the cumulative stress of police work: the daily drips of violence, misery and death; the relentless staccato of calls that can spiral from mundane to dramatic in a split second. Katja Ridderbusch, NPR, 26 May 2025 Some of the lines capture hilariously mundane moments of humanity. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mundane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mundane
Adjective
  • Previous generations entertained at home more often than making a restaurant reservation, and all those dinner parties and teas came with an assortment of beautifully designed serving pieces and perfectly specific items that were pulled out for celebratory events and everyday occasions alike.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 3 June 2025
  • Scientists use a system of complicated-sounding names to refer to everyday creatures, a practice heavily lampooned in the Warner Bros. cartoons featuring the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote – or, respectively, Accelleratii incredibus and Carnivorous vulgaris.
    Nicholas Green, The Conversation, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Though the papal tiara, symbolizing spiritual, temporal and supreme power, is still revered, no pope has worn it since Paul VI (1963-1978), who sold his for charity.
    NBC News, NBC news, 18 May 2025
  • Those questions are, so often, temporal and corporeal.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Related Stories The Mogami Terra Tech’s biological and engineered materials combine in natural shades like camouflage fatigues, extracted from terrestrial environments saturated with brush, soil and clay.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 26 May 2025
  • That would mean another UK asset for RedBird, the terrestrial network Channel 5.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • The environmental scientist will help check the quality of local rivers, lakes and streams by testing water for physical, chemical and biological factors.
    Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2025
  • In early-stage venture capital and startup formation—especially in deep tech and physical AI—the hardest problems cannot be solved in isolation.
    Nate Williams, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • In 2022, the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 paved the way for alternatives to animal testing, and in December 2023, an NIH advisory committee made similar recommendations to develop non-animal methods.
    Rachel Fobar, Vox, 14 May 2025
  • Rendering is a process that transforms animal by-products, like leftover meat and fats...and yes, chicken feet, into usable materials, such as animal feed, fuel, and other industrial products.
    Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • But in the earthly order, utility—usefulness for man—is the main determiner of value.
    Alejandro Antonio Chafuen, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • The Assumption, proclaimed by Pius XII in 1950, is the doctrine that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
    Dennis Doyle, The Conversation, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The 36-year-old faces a charge of collision involving serious bodily injury, according to police records.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2025
  • Zachary Kaplan, 42, is charged with domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and misdemeanor domestic battery.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Members of the second live according to self-love and seek worldly power.
    Alejandro Antonio Chafuen, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • But after loading all her worldly possessions into the back of Sam’s decaying van-cab, what should have been a simple fare becomes a wild, late-night odyssey.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 6 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mundane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mundane. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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