astronomical

adjective

as·​tro·​nom·​i·​cal ˌa-strə-ˈnä-mi-kəl 

variants or less commonly astronomic

ˌa-strə-ˈnä-mik 

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 

adverb

Synonyms of astronomical

• huge
• enormous
• vast
• tremendous
• gigantic
• massive
• giant
• colossal
• monumental
• immense
• mammoth
• bumper
• titanic
• mountainous
• cosmic
• planetary
• monstrous

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

Rather, the noise and astronomical expectations for the Rams made this Week 1 performance a shocker to say the least. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Such precision matters because even small improvements in astronomical measurements can help scientists test existing theories about how the universe developed and refine models of cosmic evolution. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

The traditional astronomical pronunciation is Vē-ga, with the stress on the first syllable. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2026

In terms of ticket prices, which can soar to astronomical levels by historical standards, buyers now expect a comfier seat than the traditional benches found in many college stadiums. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing astronomical

• astronomical unit

Rhymes for astronomical

• anatomical
• economical
• comical
• neuroanatomical
• uneconomical

Kids Definition

astronomical

adjective

as·​tro·​nom·​i·​cal ˌas-trə-ˈnäm-i-kəl 

variants also astronomic

-ˈnäm-ik 

1

: of or relating to astronomy

2

: extremely or unbelievably large

the cost was astronomical

astronomically

-ˈnäm-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb