astronomical

adjective

as·​tro·​nom·​i·​cal ˌa-strə-ˈnä-mi-kəl How to pronounce astronomical (audio)
variants or less commonly astronomic
ˌa-strə-ˈnä-mik How to pronounce astronomical (audio)
Synonyms of astronomical
1
: of or relating to astronomy
astronomical observations
2
: enormously or inconceivably large or great
astronomical numbers
an astronomical price
astronomically
ˌa-strə-ˈnä-mi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce astronomical (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of astronomical

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Examples of astronomical in a Sentence

The cost of the office building was astronomical. We got an astronomical telephone bill this month.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
New technology and a legacy of discovery Astronomers are already eagerly awaiting the astronomical discoveries that Roman and its ultra-sensitive infrared detectors will produce. — Don Figer, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Does the feel and passion even register when a profit must be made on these astronomical investments? — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 When are the best times to get a glance at the astronomical phenomenon? — Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2026 The Financial Times has argued that the astronomical prices of top modernist paintings are less about intrinsic artistic value than wealth, scarcity, and the concentration of buying power among billionaires. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for astronomical

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin astronomicus "of or relating to astronomy" (borrowed from Greek astronomikós "of astronomy, skilled in astronomy," from astronomía astronomy + -ikos -ic entry 1) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of astronomical was in 1551

Phrases Containing astronomical

Rhymes for astronomical

See All Rhymes for astronomical

Browse Nearby Words

Astronomer Royal
astronomical
astronomical clock
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Astronomical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astronomical. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

astronomical

adjective
as·​tro·​nom·​i·​cal ˌas-trə-ˈnäm-i-kəl How to pronounce astronomical (audio)
variants also astronomic
-ˈnäm-ik How to pronounce astronomical (audio)
1
: of or relating to astronomy
2
: extremely or unbelievably large
the cost was astronomical
astronomically
-ˈnäm-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce astronomical (audio)
adverb
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