WORLDLY-WISE Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

worldly-wise

adjective

ˈwərl(d)-lē-ˌwīz

Definition of worldly-wise

as in sophisticated

having a wide and refined knowledge of the world especially from personal experience her long career as a globe-trotting journalist has made her very worldly-wise

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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

But our latest research shows how these tombs – built for Etruscans of higher socioeconomic and political status—were designed to offer sophisticated sensory experiences.

— Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
There are more ways than ever to discover a new brand, more sophisticated motorcycles to build, more accessible manufacturing technology, and a global audience sitting just a click away.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of sophisticated

Adjective

From its airy midcentury modern design to the unbeatable views of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan, Le Méridien Essex Chicago fits all the cosmopolitan chic of the Windy City’s downtown into 14 compact stories.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
This is progressive calypso, complex, and cosmopolitan, as the tracks leap out of the speakers with the propulsion of a tropical hurricane.

— Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of cosmopolitan

Adjective

The lounge is a real scene, especially during afternoon tea, when a perfectly coiffed crowd has hushed discussions about worldly matters.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
The pair have just been evicted from their apartment, coming home from church to find all of their worldly possessions on the stairs.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of worldly

Browse Nearby Words

worldly

worldly-wise

world power

See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

Style

“Worldly-wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worldly-wise. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of worldly-wise

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inscrutable

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes