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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

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 mundane Is obvious that with new payment methods come new fraud vectors, and there are many issues that must be resolved before consumers can really take advantage of the new technology to ditch the mundane and free their minds for more value-adding distractions. David G.w. Birch, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 But the motivation to skip could also be more mundane. Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2024 An otherwise mundane game fleetingly evoked a similar response. Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 Leaders who present themselves as too entitled or privileged to do mundane tasks or sales calls or even clean up after themselves can leave the team demotivated. Joseph Edgar, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mundane 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mundane
Adjective
  • On Thursday, firefighters are continuing to battle back against multiple deadly wildfires that erupted across the country's second largest city as everyday Californians and celebrities alike flee their homes.
    Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Like contouring, color correcting seemed far too complex for my everyday routine.
    Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And though Chen maneuvers every temporal and geographical shift, efforts to convey the political context of each new era can outweigh character development, undercutting the emotional breadth this story carries.
    Kayla Maiuri, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025
  • For leaders, introducing intentional financial, temporal, or otherwise constraints can reignite creativity and urgency within stagnant teams.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Analyzing samples in a terrestrial lab might reveal biosignatures, or the traces of ancient life, that elude detection with instruments on Mars.
    Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Scientists believe this adaptation could also be an evolutionary stepping stone toward more terrestrial behavior in other species.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Ford has requested joint legal and physical custody of their son, and also requested spousal support from the Superman Returns star.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Lastly, although online payment systems offer a more secure payment alternative to cutting a physical check, companies run the risk of dealing with cyberattacks and data breaches.
    Bek Abdullayev, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
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
  • This Barbera is both an earthly garden driven by rich red fruits and an ancient medicinal herb garden with its eucalyptus notes and proof that Barbera holds its own next to Barolo.
    Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Under Jamison’s direction, the Ailey dancers grew more and more godlike in technique without losing earthly looseness and soul.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The charges include recklessly causing a fire with great bodily injury, conspiracy to commit an act injurious to the public and violating the social host ordinance.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025
  • All of the fraternity members, including Larsen, received at least one felony charge, including recklessly causing a fire with great bodily injury, conspiracy to commit an act injurious to the public, and violating the social host ordinance.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Picaresque, amusing, and brisk, this is a worldly hangout novel of 21st-century manners.
    Vogue, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024
  • And the spiritual rationale for generosity turns out to be the same as the worldly one: hope in a good future.
    Matthew Scogin, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near mundane

Cite this Entry

“Mundane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mundane. Accessed 16 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mundane

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