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

Outside Earth’s protective magnetic field, astronauts are exposed to cosmic radiation, a constant shower of high-energy particles that can damage DNA and tissue. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025

The vast cosmic structure spans about 260,000 light-years and contains over a trillion stars. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025

Together, Venus and Uranus adorn our cosmic skies with electric charm and possibility. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025

An unusual double-ring structure spotted in space with the help of citizen scientists has turned out to be a cosmic rarity. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 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