cosmic

adjective

cos·​mic ˈkäz-mik How to pronounce cosmic (audio)
variants or less commonly cosmical
Synonyms of cosmicnext
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 adverb

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
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.
Early on in cosmic history, the Universe was composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, as no substantial quantities of heavier elements were formed during the early stages of the hot Big Bang. Big Think, 6 Feb. 2026 One designed for lunar surface operations must protect astronauts from perilous cosmic radiation, extreme temperatures, lung-clogging moon dust and the harsh vacuum of space. K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2026 The fact that these events are responsible for the creation of some of our most precious and important elements, as well as bright cosmic phenomena like GRBs and kilonovas, means there has been a heavy bias toward studying the aftereffects of neutron star mergers. Robert Lea, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2026 Its red rock buttes are said to house mysterious cosmic forces conducive to healing and self-exploration. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cosmic

Word History

Etymology

Greek kosmikos, from kosmos order, universe

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cosmic was in 1685

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Cite this Entry

“Cosmic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmic. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

cosmic

adjective
cos·​mic ˈkäz-mik How to pronounce cosmic (audio)
1
: of or relating to the cosmos
cosmic theories
2
: extremely vast : grand
cosmic dimensions

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