planetary

adjective

plan·​e·​tary ˈpla-nə-ˌter-ē 

1

a

: of, relating to, being, or resembling a planet

b

: erratic, wandering

c

: having a motion like that of a planet

planetary electrons

d

: immense

the scope of this project has reached planetary proportions

2

a

: of, relating to, or belonging to the earth : terrestrial

b

: global, worldwide

planetary politics

3

: having or consisting of an epicyclic train of gear wheels

Synonyms of planetary

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

Examples of planetary in a Sentence

a positively planetary new shopping development

Recent Examples on the Web

For Another Tomorrow, architecture is not just about individual buildings but about fostering the interconnected flourishing of communities, landscapes and planetary systems—a core principle for redefining urban development through care and regeneration. —Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 4 May 2026

The findings may allow researchers to better understand the extreme conditions of the comet’s planetary system — and even discern what the Milky Way galaxy was like long before our solar system appeared. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 1 May 2026

Interior to the soot line, only exposed planetary cores can exist. —Big Think, 30 Apr. 2026

Isaacman, who was confirmed in December 2025 as NASA's administrator, recently reiterated his belief that Pluto rightfully deserves to have its planetary status restored. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing planetary

• planetary nebula
• planetary science

Rhymes for planetary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

planetary

adjective

plan·​e·​tary ˈplan-ə-ˌter-ē 

1

a

: of or relating to a planet

b

: having a motion like that of a planet

planetary electrons of the atomic nucleus

2

: worldwide, global

a matter of planetary concern