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 of cosmic

• giant
• gigantic
• huge
• vast
• tremendous
• enormous
• massive
• colossal
• astronomical
• mammoth
• monumental
• bumper
• immense
• titanic
• galactic
• monster
• planetary
• monstrous
• mountainous
• grand
• oceanic

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

Launched in 2004, the $364-million observatory is designed to pivot quickly — as its name suggests — to capture gamma ray bursts, exploding stars and other fast-breaking cosmic action. — Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

Launched in 2004, the $364 million observatory is designed to pivot quickly -- as its name suggests -- to capture gamma ray bursts, exploding stars and other fast-breaking cosmic action. — Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026

Scientists already know that this exposes them to harmful cosmic radiation, but how the absence of the field itself, separate from radiation, might affect human physiology is not very well understood. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026

The latest addition to the Sky Railway lineup is The Stargazer, a cosmic trip that leads travelers below New Mexico’s notoriously dark skies and leans into the landscape’s extraterrestrial mystery. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2026

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