Synonyms for
Worldly
Definition
related to or concerned with the physical world rather than the spiritual world
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- worldly possessions
- worldly goods
- worldly affairs
- worldly wisdom
- worldly success
- worldly experience
- worldly pleasures
Word family
noun worldliness
adverb worldlily
Usage note
Often used to describe someone experienced in the practical affairs of life, or conversely, someone focused on material possessions rather than spiritual matters. The connotation can be neutral, positive (experienced), or negative (materialistic).
Example sentences
- He was too worldly to care about spiritual things.
- She had a worldly experience during her travels.
- The businessman had a worldly outlook on life.
- He was more interested in worldly pleasures than in improving his character.
- The nun chose a life of poverty and simplicity over a worldly lifestyle.
Quotes
The worldly hope men set their hearts upon turns ashes - or it prospers; and anon, like snow upon the desert's dusty face lighting a little hour or two, is gone.
The pursuit of worldly possessions can lead to spiritual poverty.
The worldly life is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the unbeliever.