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.
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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.
Centuries later, as mechanical clocks became increasingly precise, these astronomical subdivisions were adopted for timekeeping as well. — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 Flooding risks are highest on Sunday, with tides likely 1 to 1 ½ feet above astronomical tide charts, according to NWS. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 The whole city ends up bearing the brunt of astronomical housing prices that, whatever their other causes, are principally downstream from a housing market that quite simply cannot keep up with demand. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026 The team will now continue to use MEGATRON to forge even stronger links between astronomical observations and theory. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Oct. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

Astronomer Royal
astronomical
astronomical clock
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Cite this Entry

“Astronomical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astronomical. Accessed 14 Oct. 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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