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

Highs may struggle to get much beyond the mid to upper 60s by Tuesday, giving us a decidedly fall-like feel right as astronomical fall arrives. — Kate Bilo, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

On one hand, superstar acts like Peter Frampton, Yes, Fleetwood Mac, the Who, and the Rolling Stones were selling tickets on such an astronomical level that their shows were moving into football stadiums, outdoor fields, and racetracks. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026

In a frothier market a few years ago, some emerging artists achieved astronomical auction highs, far outpacing their primary market prices. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 17 Sep. 2026

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

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