cosmic

adjective

cos·​mic ˈkäz-mik 

variants or less commonly cosmical

ˈkäz-mi-kəl 

1

a

: of or relating to the cosmos, the extraterrestrial vastness, or the universe in contrast to the earth alone

cosmic radiation

b

: of, relating to, or concerned with abstract spiritual or metaphysical (see metaphysical sense 2) ideas

cosmic wisdom

2

: characterized by greatness especially in extent, intensity, or comprehensiveness

a cosmic thinker

a book of cosmic significance

cosmically

ˈkäz-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• monster
• monumental
• titanic
• giant
• monstrous
• galactic
• planetary
• tremendous
• huge

Examples of cosmic in a Sentence

The discovery caused a cosmic shift in people's views of the world.

predicted that the war would forever be regarded as a cosmic error

Recent Examples on the Web

Neither has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame despite decades of eligibility and a cosmic consensus of their greatness. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025

And, through it all, the objects with mass and/or energy in the Universe gravitate, clumping and clustering together to form a great cosmic web. —Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025

These bubbles appear to help regulate star formation and other cosmic processes here in the only galaxy known to host life. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 24 Sep. 2025

Surrounding our solar system is a natural and enigmatic cosmic shield called the heliosphere — and a new mission has launched to help astronomers better understand it. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek kosmikos, from kosmos order, universe

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing cosmic

• cosmic background radiation
• cosmic dust
• cosmic microwave background
• cosmic noise
• cosmic ray
• cosmic string

Rhymes for cosmic

• osmic
• microcosmic

Kids Definition

cosmic

adjective

cos·​mic ˈkäz-mik 

1

: of or relating to the cosmos

cosmic theories

2

: extremely vast : grand

cosmic dimensions